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What is the radiant environment, and how can we see it?

The radiant environment is the sum of all the radiation surrounding us, with which our body constantly exchanges energy. We do not only perceive the air temperature but also the radiant temperature of the surrounding surfaces —walls, floors, windows, or radiators— which influence our thermal sensation as much as, or even more than, the air itself.

Although it is invisible to the human eye, the radiant environment can be visualised using thermographic cameras, which capture the infrared radiation emitted by surfaces and display it as a colour-coded image. These images allow us to see and understand how we thermally interact with our surroundings, revealing temperature differences that depend on orientation, materials, or the geometry of objects.

At the demo in the UPC stand, we will present a spherical thermographic image of an urban space —Plaça de la Virreina— an innovative tool that reveals the energy flows affecting the thermal comfort of a pedestrian in that environment. This representation offers a new perspective for environmental design in architecture and urban planning, helping to create more comfortable and sustainable spaces.

This research has been carried out within the framework of the project PID2020-116036RB-I00, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU).

More information here.