Herramienta pedagógica para educar ante el efecto de isla de calor urbana.

Abstract

Although the urban heat island (UHI) is one of the most widely studied thermal phenomena, it can be understood as a localized manifestation of climatic reconfiguration whose complexity remains largely invisible in everyday experience. This invisibility hinders its recognition as a direct outcome of urban planning decisions. This research develops and evaluates an interactive digital tool capable of translating urban thermal processes into situated cognitive experience. The objective is to integrate 3D modeling, thermographic imaging, microclimatic simulation, and sensory mediation to promote a causal understanding of the urban heat island effect. Methodologically, the study combines satellite vegetation analysis, in situ thermal recordings, the construction of a digital twin in Unreal Engine, algorithmic modeling of evapotranspiration, and a web-based interface that allows users to modify urban variables and visualize their thermal impacts in real time. The pilot test revealed a clear causal comprehension between vegetation presence, material decisions, and thermal behavior, suggesting that immersive experiences enable the recognition of the climatic agency of plants compared to high-inertia surfaces. The tool acts as a cognitive mediator that denaturalizes urban heat and supports criteria for climate mitigation and situated climate education. The results indicate the potential for scalability in diverse educational and community contexts, contributing to the development of urban planning criteria that are sensitive to thermal habitability and the integration of vegetation in climate adaptation strategies.