Comprehensive Impact of Different Urban Form Indices on Land Surface Temperature and PM2.5 Pollution in Summer and Winter, Based on Urban Functional Zones: A Case Study of Taiyuan City

Wenyu Zhao, Le Xuan, Wenru Li, Wei Wang and Xuhui Wang ()
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Wenyu Zhao: College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
Le Xuan: School of Architecture and Fine Art, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Wenru Li: College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
Wei Wang: College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
Xuhui Wang: College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-26

Abstract: Urban form plays a crucial role in regulating urban thermal environments and air pollution patterns. However, the indirect mechanisms through which urban form influences PM2.5 concentrations via land surface temperature (LST) remain poorly understood. This study investigates these pathways by analyzing representative two- and three-dimensional urban form indices (UFIs) in the central urban area of Taiyuan, China. Multiple log-linear regression and mediation analysis were applied to evaluate the combined effects of urban form on LST and PM2.5. The results indicate that UFIs significantly influence both LST and PM2.5. The frontal area index (FAI) and sky view factor (SVF) emerged as key variables, with LST playing a significant mediating role. The indirect pathways affecting PM2.5 via LST, along with the direct LST-PM2.5 correlation, exhibit pronounced seasonal differences in direction and intensity. Moreover, different urban functional zones exhibit heterogeneous responses to the same form indices, highlighting the spatial variability of these linkages. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating seasonal and spatial differences into urban design. Accordingly, this study proposes targeted urban form optimization strategies to improve air quality and thermal comfort, offering theoretical insights and practical guidance for sustainable urban planning.

Keywords: urban form; land surface temperature; PM2.5; mediation analysis; seasonal variation; functional urban zones; Taiyuan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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