Outdoor Thermal Comfort Research and Its Implications for Landscape Architecture: A Systematic Review

Tingfeng Liu, Yaolong Wang (), Longhao Zhang, Ninghan Xu and Fengliang Tang
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Tingfeng Liu: School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Yaolong Wang: School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Longhao Zhang: School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Ninghan Xu: School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Fengliang Tang: School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-27

Abstract: Amid global warming and urbanization, outdoor thermal comfort has become a critical consideration in landscape architecture. This study integrates a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of 1417 empirical studies (1980–2024) sourced from Web of Science, aiming to clarify the current state of research, identify core themes, and propose future directions. This study examines key evaluation models, the influence of spatial morphology, and their practical applications using keyword co-occurrence, citation networks, and thematic analyses. Findings show a significant rise in research over the past decade, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Core themes include thermal comfort indices (PMV, PET, and UTCI), microclimate regulation, and important spatial indicators (height-to-width ratio, sky view factor, and greening). The field is increasingly shifting towards simulation tools (such as ENVI-met and CFD) rather than traditional field measurements, with artificial intelligence emerging as a tool for predictive and regulatory purposes, though its application remains limited. However, much of the research focuses on small-scale morphological optimization and lacks a systematic framework for spatial representation. Future research should prioritize developing a comprehensive evaluation system adaptable to diverse landscapes, investigating the interplay between spatial form and thermal comfort, and advancing sustainable, low-carbon design strategies. The insights from this study provide a solid foundation for improving outdoor thermal comfort and guiding sustainable urban development through landscape architecture.

Keywords: outdoor thermal comfort; landscape architecture; spatial morphology; bibliometric analysis; sustainable landscape design (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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