Seasonal and Botanical Influences on External Thermal Performance near Green Façades: CFD Simulations on a Reference Building Envelope in a Humid Temperate Climate Barbara Gherri, Lisa Rovetta, Sara Matoti, Alessandro Petraglia Atmosphere, 2026 Green façades are acknowledged as passive strategies that reduce heat accumulation, enhance biodiversity, improve particulate matter absorption and provide psycho-physiological benefits for users. However, evaluations of their thermal performance—accounting for seasonality, vegetation density, and leaf characteristics—remain incomplete. This study addresses this gap by assessing two green façade typologies on a sample building located in Northern Italy (Cfa climate). ENVI-met microclimate simulations compared a bare wall with vegetated façades featuring Hedera helix (evergreen) and Parthenocissus tricuspidata (deciduous) across four orientations and seasonal conditions, considering the sample building and the immediate surrounding outdoor space. Both species reduced wall-surface temperatures (T0) and improved outdoor thermal comfort perception (PET), influenced by LAI dynamics, foliage persistence, and façade orientation. Results indicate that Parthenocissus tricuspidata achieved the greatest cooling effect during hot periods due to higher LAI, with absolute T0 reductions of up to 22.1 °C on southern façades and 30.0 °C on western façades. In these orientations, PET improvements reached up to 3.0 °C (south) and 8.0 °C (west). Conversely, Hedera helix ensured stable year-round performance and performed better on northern façades during colder periods. The results stress the need for integrated design that aligns plant choice with orientation and seasonal growth to optimize thermal performance, cut cooling demands, and improve outdoor comfort.
Monastic Enclosures and Cloisters. Understanding the Transformation from Historical Mystical Gardens to Renewed Urban Open Spaces for the Community Barbara Gherri, Sara Matoti, Lisa Rovetta Ri Vista, 2025 Among the numerous historic open spaces, the green and paved areas of cloisters and their adjoining courtyards are often overlooked. In recent years, efforts have focused on preserving built heritage, while these open spaces have been neglected, in favour of larger monumental complexes. However, climate change has heightened the need for conservation, increasing the demand for the restoration and management of these areas, as they provide significant microclimate benefits. This contribution focuses on the historical role of cloister gardens as integral components of monastic life and examines their influence on the typology of monasteries. These open and transitional spaces can be adapted to meet modern needs while maximizing their intrinsic features of protection, thermal comfort, and intimacy. By analysing the morpho-typological characteristics of a diverse range of Italian urban cloisters, this study demonstrates the advantages of integrating historical preservation with contemporary reuse and microclimate assessments to revitalize urban open spaces, thereby addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate.
The impact of vertical vegetation on outdoor thermal perception during current and future heatwaves in a temperate climate L Rovetta, S Matoti, P Vocale, B Gherri Journal of Physics Conference Series, 2025 Vertical vegetation systems offer a sustainable solution for enhancing building energy efficiency and indoor comfort while also providing essential urban ecosystem services. However, research on their thermal effects during heat waves is still limited, particularly in the context of climate change. Mitigating overheating during hot seasons is crucial for both ecosystems and human health, especially in temperate regions. The present study aims to investigate and compare the benefits of two types of vertical green walls, applied to the facades of an existing building, in mitigating the effects of heat waves, relative to a baseline wall. Using the ENVI-met software, this research analyzes the external thermal response in 2024 and during a hypothetical heat wave for 2050, with the University of Parma’s Engineering Headquarter serving as a case study. To address the research aims, the absolute differences between the Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) values and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) will be evaluated for each façade and scenario across the three cases. The results will help to understand the microclimatic benefits of vertical greenery, thereby supporting future urban adaptation strategies for climate change.
Passive Climate Change Adaptation through Facade Design: A Case Study in Railway Station Application PLEA 2024 Re Thinking Resilience Proceedings of 37th PLEA Conference Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design the Book of Proceedings, 2024
Seasonal and Botanical Influences on External Thermal Performance near Green Façades: CFD Simulations on a Reference Building Envelope in a Humid Temperate Climate B Gherri, L Rovetta, S Matoti, A Petraglia Atmosphere 17 (4), 342 , 2026 2026
The impact of vertical vegetation on outdoor thermal perception during current and future heatwaves in a temperate climate L Rovetta, S Matoti, P Vocale, B Gherri Journal of Physics: Conference Series 3140 (2), 022035 , 2025 2025
Monastic Enclosures and Cloisters. Understanding the Transformation from Historical Mystical Gardens to Renewed Urban Open Spaces for the Community B Gherri, S Matoti, L Rovetta Ri-Vista. Research for landscape architecture 23 (1), 190-199 , 2025 2025
Infrared Thermography for Moisture Detection and Mould Prevention: Expeditious Measures to Upgrade School Buildings S Matoti, L Rovetta, M Cotti, B Gherr International Conference on Moisture in Buildings, 158-169 , 2025 2025
Upgrading Existing Façades by Integrating Seismic Interventions with Vertical Green Solutions. The Undergoing Project at the University of Parma B Gherri, L Rovetta, S Matoti International Conference of Ar. Tec.(Scientific Society of Architectural … , 2025 2025
Revitalizing and preserving strategies in light of climate change: the case of traditional cloisters in the Italian urban fabric B Gherri, S Matoti OLTRE LO SGUARDO BEYOND THE GAZE, 603 , 2025 2025
An Evidence-Based Business Model Applied to Urban Practice. The Case of Urban Void Regeneration B Gherri, M Maretto, A Dell’Imperio, L Pinardi From Urban Research to Planning and Design Strengthening Cooperation Between … , 2025 2025
Modern Movement Urbanism and Climate Adaptability: a Dual Neighbourhood Case Study in South Europe B Gherri, E Naboni, GM Carmen 19th CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY, WATER AND ENVIRONMENT … , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Diagnosi microclimatica dello spazio aperto: metodi e strumenti per la rigenerazione dello spazio tra gli edifici B Gherri Quasar , 2025 2025
Nursery school buildings in prefabrication techniques from the early 60s to the 80s in Italy. Historical, technological, and pedagogical overview B GHERRI, F MORSELLI RIVISTA TEMA Учредители: Bologna University Press 11 (1) , 2025 2025
Hortus inclusus e chiostri urbani. Un approccio per il recupero microclimatico B Gherri, S Matoti, L Rovetta RECUPERO E CONSERVAZIONE, 68-77 , 2025 2025
Assessing the Resilience Potential of Cloisters in Historical Urban Areas in Response to Climate Change B Gherri, S Matoti, L Rovetta The International Conference of Sustainable Development and Smart Built … , 2024 2024
From patented prefabricated panels to energy requalification strategies. The case of nursery schools in Emilia Romagna region B Gherri, S Matoti, F Morselli International Conference of Ar. Tec.(Scientific Society of Architectural … , 2024 2024
Urban Green Spaces and Their Role in Responding to the Heat Island Effect in Historical Urban Context B Gherri Sustainability in Energy and Buildings 2023, 457-470 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
Simulating Localized Delta Temperatures: A Methodology Workflow for Addressing the Hyperlocal Impacts of Climate Change E Naboni, M Turrini, B Gherri Sustainability in Energy and Buildings 2023, 441-456 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Modern Movement Urbanism and Climate Adaptability: a Dual Neighbourhood Case Study in South Europe J Sola Caraballo, B Gherri, E Naboni, CA Rivera Gómez, C Galán-Marín Sdewes , 2024 2024
Passive Climate Change Adaptation through Facade Design: A Case Study in Railway Station Application M Turrini, B Gherri, E Naboni PLEA 2024:(Re) thinking Resilience. The book of proceedings, 953-958 , 2024 2024
Sfruttamento passivo dell’energia, integrazione con il paesaggio e genius loci: Strategie dal passato per rispondere al cambiamento climatico B Gherri Il paesaggio al centro. Natura pubblica e natura operante 1, 236-243 , 2024 2024
On the resilience of Italian urban cloisters in historical fabrics to climate change B Gherri, S Matoti SUSTAINABLE MEDITERRANEAN CONSTRUCTION. LAND CULTURE, RESEARCH AND … , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Climatic performance of urban texture: public spaces in Venice fabric B Gherri, M Maretto, D Maiullari, A Monacelli, C Finizza MORPHOLOGY AND URBAN DESIGN new strategies for a changing society. 1, 324-332 , 2024 2024
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Assessment of daylight performance in buildings: Methods and design strategies B Gherri WIT press , 2015 2015 Citations: 51
On the thermal resilience of venetian open spaces B Gherri, D Maiullari, C Finizza, M Maretto, E Naboni Heritage 4 (4), 4286-4303 , 2021 2021 Citations: 38
The role of urban vegetation in counteracting overheating in different urban textures B Gherri Land 12 (12), 2100 , 2023 2023 Citations: 23
Sustainable redevelopment of public spaces in city centres: a bioclimatic approach E Coisson, S Del Lesto, B Gherri Procedia engineering 161, 1852-1857 , 2016 2016 Citations: 17
Climate change and indoor temperature variation in Venetian buildings: The role of density and urban form D Maiullari, B Gherri, C Finizza, M Maretto, E Naboni Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2042 (1), 012060 , 2021 2021 Citations: 9
Morphology and sustainability in the project of public spaces. The case of the historic centre of Viterbo (Italy) M Maretto, B Gherri, A Chiovitti, G Pitanti, F Scattino, N Boggio The Journal of Public Space 5 (2), 23-44 , 2020 2020 Citations: 9
Daylight assessment B Gherri Il ruolo della luce naturale nella definizione dello spazio architettonico e … , 2013 2013 Citations: 9
Environmental urban morphology: A multidisciplinary methodology for the analysis of public spaces in dense urban fabrics M Maretto, B Gherri, D Maiullari, C Vernizzi, G Pitanti, C Finizza, ... Sustainability 15 (23), 16493 , 2023 2023 Citations: 8
Eco-mechanical indexes for sustainability assessment of AAC blocks D Ferretti, B Gherri, E Michelini IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 442 (1), 012011 , 2018 2018 Citations: 8
Daylight assessment: il ruolo della luce naturale nella definizione dello spazio architettonico e protocolli di calcolo B Gherri Franco Angeli , 2013 2013 Citations: 8
Experiments on Microclimatically adapt a courtyard to climate change E Naboni, R Siani, M Turrini, E Touloupaki, B Gherri, FD Luca IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1196 (1), 012032 , 2023 2023 Citations: 7
On Venetian Campi Resilience to Climate Change B Gherri, D Maiullari, C Finizza, M Maretto, E Naboni IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 863 (1), 012005 , 2021 2021 Citations: 6
Environmental Analysis Towards Low Carbon Urban Retrofitting For Public Spaces B Gherri Heritage 2016. 5Th International Conference on Heritage and Sustainable … , 2016 2016 Citations: 6
Urban Green Spaces and Their Role in Responding to the Heat Island Effect in Historical Urban Context B Gherri Sustainability in Energy and Buildings 2023, 457-470 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
Early-Stage Environmental Modelling: Tools and Strategies for Climate Based Design B Gherri, M Maretto, A Guzhda, M Motti, G Zannetti 13th Conference on Advanced Building Skins, Bern , 2018 2018 Citations: 5
An extensive daylight assessment through quantitative appraisal and qualitative analysis B Gherri Proceedings Experiencing Light 2014: International Conference on the Effects … , 2014 2014 Citations: 5
Social Housing Policies and Best Practice Review for Retrofit Action-Case Studies from Parma (IT) B Gherri, C Cavagliano, S Orsi IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 245 (8), 082038 , 2017 2017 Citations: 4
Urban morphology and sustainability: Towards a shared design methodology M Maretto, B Gherri, G Pitanti, F Scattino 24th ISUF International Conference. City and territory in the Globalization … , 2017 2017 Citations: 4
Environmental Assessment method for Decarbonised Urban renewal B Gherri NewDist: SBE16 Towards Post-Carbon Cities 2, 114-122 , 2016 2016 Citations: 4
Daylighting Strategies: Building's Sustainability and Energy Efficiency B Gherri Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 7 (7), 805 , 2013 2013 Citations: 3
