Urbanization, a defining trend of the 21st century, brings both economic growth and significant challenges, including the creation of urban heat islands (UHIs), environmental degradation, and adverse impacts on human health. This thesis explores how landscape design can mitigate UHIs and enhance energy efficiency through passive cooling in urban environments, using Georgia Square Mall in Athens, Georgia, as a case study. The research examines UHI causes and effects, energy transfer in buildings, and the role of mechanical systems in climate change. It identifies landscaping techniques for passive cooling and heating, considers various climates, and evaluates these strategies using the ENVI-met simulation tool. The findings provide evidence-based recommendations for landscape architects, aiming to integrate landscape and architecture to improve energy efficiency and reduce UHIs.
