Pedestrians' perceptions of different heat mitigation strategies for an urban river valley in Iran: Coupling a questionnaire survey with microclimate modeling

Abstract This study examines the effectiveness of various heat mitigation strategies in Tehran, Iran, by integrating pedestrian perception surveys with ENVI‐met microclimate modeling. Strategies assessed include additional vegetation, water bodies, shade, and cool pavements, aiming to bridge the gap between expert knowledge and public preferences. Simulations showed that increasing vegetation reduced mean radiant temperature ( T mrt ) by up to 14°C and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) by 5°C. Enhancing pavement albedo reduced surface temperature by 6.9°C and air temperature by 2°C. Survey responses revealed strong preferences for vegetation and shade, aligning with modeled outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of combining subjective perceptions with objective data in designing thermally comfortable urban environments. While limited by sample size and site‐specific conditions, this study provides a basis for future research on broader climatic contexts and urban forms.