Öz
This study evaluates the natural ventilation performance of different urban areas in Elazığ, Turkey based on a parameter called “spatially averaged- wind velocity ratio”. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) 3-D steady-state simulations were made for old and newly built urban areas in Elazığ. Wind velocities of 3 and 5 m/s with NW prevailing wind direction were used in the simulations. Spatially-averaged wind velocity ratio (VRW) considering 20 m and 30 m building heights were used in the study as governing parameters. It is found that, there is remarkable difference between natural ventilation performance of configurations assessed for old and new settlements. Narrow streets in old settlements could not be ventilated effectively while the streets in new settlements have a better wind distribution and ventilation potential.