Can trees reduce wind velocity? Analyzing wind shielding properties of courtyards and trees at Hoofdorp Urban Comfort Lab.

Wind can can take a toll on people's comfort in the urban environment. At the same time, proper ventilation of enclosed urban spaces is essential for good air quality. In this study, I look into wind shielding properties of courtyards to outside wind. Using wind speed and direction data from 4 weather stations over the course of 1.5 years, I compare wind speed records outside and inside 3 adjacent interior courtyards, which have differences in shape and vegetation. The results show that building shape and tree placement have statistically significant effects on street level wind speed for winds above 2.5 m/s.