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

Li Jiang, Shoushuai Du, Song Liu (), Yuxiang Dong and Ying Yang
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Li Jiang: Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, China
Shoushuai Du: Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, China
Song Liu: Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy Saving Study of Dense Habitat, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200092, China
Yuxiang Dong: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Ying Yang: School of Arts, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-38

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: thermal environment; thermal comfort; urban riverfront; spatial morphology; numerical simulation; climate adaptative design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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