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Abstract
The urban heat island phenomenon poses significant challenges in creating thermally comfortable environments for pedestrians in urban areas. This study focuses on College Square Plaza, Downtown, a hotspot experiencing high temperatures in Athens, Georgia. The goal is to propose a redesign that addresses the thermal discomfort faced by pedestrians, especially during the hot and humid summer months, by analyzing the impact of design parameters on thermal comfort. This study determines the ideal conditions for improving thermal comfort in the plaza by examining vegetation patterns, paving materials, water bodies, and urban canyon design. Additionally, the study examines the design for winter and, in the end, suggests a design for College Square Plaza that produces a welcoming and thermally comfortable public place that improves the overall experience of pedestrians throughout the year.