Green areas in open urban spaces

The paper is divided in two parts: the first is about the microclimatic function of the vegetation in built area. Experimental data in different contexts case studies- are analysed in order to define guide-lines for cooling. The second presents a data base of the ecological, functional, morphological characteristics of trees and shrubs. This data base contains sixty elements and is a useful tool for designers, when they want to put green elements in an urban context. Plants must be chosen with an understanding of their growth requirements, tolerance or preference of soil, climate, water and so on. This design tool is the result of a research developed by our team and the Department of Vegetal Biology of Turin University.