The effect of multi-scale roughness on the structure of atmospheric turbulence

It is estimated that "the cities of the future" will host an increasing percentage of the world's population thanks to the proliferation of tall buildings that maximise the provision of housing and office per footprint area.

These buildings and their characteristic geometries shape the atmospheric turbulence influencing both the pedestrian comfort and the air quality at street level. However, studies on realistic city layouts are rare.

A series of wind tunnel experiments within the EnFlo Laboratory, at the University of Surrey, is envisaged to explore the effect of different geometric features of these tall buildings on the structure of the atmospheric turbulence, and ultimately, to inform policy makers on urban air quality.