Urban heat islands pose critical challenges for rapidly developing cities, with Pristina exemplifying extreme conditions through surface temperatures reaching 50°C and Europe’s lowest per capita green space ratio of 2.5 m² compared to the EU average of 18 m². Despite extensive research documenting heat patterns in Pristina, no studies have systematically tested cooling interventions, creating a significant gap between problem identification and solution implementation.
This research addresses this gap by developing and testing evidence-based cooling interventions specifically calibrated for Pristina’s urban context and continental climate conditions. The study employs a systematic six-step methodology progressing from comprehensive area analysis through Local Climate Zone classification, satellite-based heat mapping using Landsat 8/9 thermal infrared imagery, heat hotspot identification, detailed morphometric analysis, and ultimately microclimate modeling of intervention effectiveness using ENVI-met simulation software.
The research integrates remote sensing analysis with stakeholder engagement and local meteorological data to validate intervention performance under real-world conditions. Expected outcomes include quantified cooling effectiveness of green infrastructure, reflective materials, and water features, along with practical implementation guidelines for municipal authorities and design professionals. The methodology establishes performance benchmarks based on international studies showing cooling potentials of 5-25°C for various interventions.
This research contributes the first comprehensive intervention analysis for Pristina while establishing transferable methodological frameworks applicable to similar rapidly developing cities in continental climate zones. The findings will inform evidence-based urban planning decisions and advance scientific understanding of heat mitigation effectiveness in post-conflict urban contexts, bridging the critical gap between heat island research and actionable cooling strategies.