A Systematic Review of Factors Affecting User Behavior in Public Open Spaces Under a Changing Climate

Zhengzheng Luo (), Lia Marchi and Jacopo Gaspari
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Zhengzheng Luo: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Lia Marchi: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Jacopo Gaspari: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-29

Abstract: Climate change is increasingly affecting the livability and functionality of urban environments, particularly public open spaces (POSs), impacting user behavior in complex ways that require a comprehensive, multi-perspective approach to understanding. This study reviews current progress, methodologies, and findings in POS research by proposing a critical analytical framework focused on key spatial and temporal factors that contribute to the design of climate adaptive solutions. Overall, 62 significant influencing factors were identified and categorized into four subject areas, environmental factors, spatial attributes, population and society, and behavioral perceptions, which were further divided into 12 themes. These factors were analyzed through a two-dimensional approach using a co-occurrence matrix to examine interactions. The findings reveal that spatial and temporal dimensions do not operate independently but interact in ways that significantly influence POS usability. The findings also indicate that temporal factors such as temperature, solar radiation intensity, and wind speed significantly influence user behavior when combined with spatial factors like site facilities, greenness, and walkability. Understanding these interactions is essential for optimizing POS design to enhance climate adaptability and long-term usability. By promoting climate adaptive design principles based on empirical research, this review offers insights and practical guidance for future urban planning to address climate change.

Keywords: urban resilience; climate adaptation; public open space (POS); spatio-temporal factors; user behavior; sustainable 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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