Effects of Morphological Factors on Thermal Environment and Thermal Comfort in Riverside Open Spaces of Shanghai, China

The thermal environment of urban riverside open spaces is crucial for enhancing outdoor comfort and well-being, especially amid extreme heat events caused by global warming and Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). Although significant progress has been made in this area, existing research still has some limit...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Li Jiang, Shoushuai Du, Song Liu, Yuxiang Dong, Ying Yang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Land
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/2/433
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Summary:The thermal environment of urban riverside open spaces is crucial for enhancing outdoor comfort and well-being, especially amid extreme heat events caused by global warming and Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). Although significant progress has been made in this area, existing research still has some limitations. This study employed a scenario-based numerical simulation approach to investigate the combined impacts of spatial morphology and wind direction on the thermal environment and thermal comfort (TETC) in riverside districts along the Huangpu River in Shanghai. Focusing on two prototypes—O and SO types—we identified key factors influencing TETC, including tree canopy coverage, vegetation layout, building density, and building height. The findings also reveal that dense canopies and thoughtful building layout significantly enhance daytime thermal comfort, while controlled building height and increased riverbank distance are effective strategies for nighttime comfort. This study highlights the importance of considering both landscape morphology and wind conditions in climate-adaptive planning and design for urban riverside areas.
ISSN:2073-445X