Search Results (40)

Sustainable building design is significantly impacted by the local climate response knowledge ingrained in traditional architecture. However, its integration and dissemination with contemporary green technologies are limited by the absence of a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the regulation of its humid and temperature environment. The Ganzhou Wei family compound from China’s wind–heat environmental regulation systems are examined in this study. We statistically evaluate the synergy between spatial morphology, material qualities, and microclimate using field data with Thsware and Ecotect software in a multiscale simulation framework. The findings indicate that the compound’s special design greatly controls the thermal and wind conditions. Cold alleyways and courtyards work together to maximize thermal environment regulation and encourage natural ventilation. According to quantitative studies, courtyards with particular depths (1–4 m) and height-to-width ratios (e.g., 1:1) reduce wind speed loss. A cool alley (5:1 height–width ratio) creates a dynamic wind–speed–temperature–humidity balance by lowering summer daytime temperatures by 2.5 °C. It also serves as a “cold source area” that moderates temperatures in the surrounding area by up to 2.1 °C. This study suggests a quantitative correlation model based on “spatial morphology–material performance–microclimate response,” which offers a technical route for historic building conservation renovation and green renewal, as well as a scientific foundation for traditional buildings to maintain thermal comfort under low energy consumption. Although based on a specific geographical case, the innovative analytical methods and strategies of this study are of great theoretical and practical significance for promoting the modernization and transformation of traditional architecture, low-carbon city construction, and sustainable building design. Full article

Urban blue–green space (UBGS) plays a critical role in mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect and reducing land surface temperatures (LSTs). However, existing research has not sufficiently explored the optimization of UBGS spatial configurations or their interactions with urban morphology. This study takes New York City as a case and systematically investigates small-scale urban cooling strategies by integrating multiple factors, including adjustments to the blue–green ratio, spatial layouts, vegetation composition, building density, building height, and layout typologies. We utilize multi-source geographic data, including LiDAR derived land cover, OpenStreetMap data, and building footprint data, together with LST data retrieved from Landsat imagery, to develop a prediction model based on generative adversarial networks (GANs). This model can rapidly generate visual LST predictions under various configuration scenarios. This study employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics to evaluate the performance of different model stages, selecting the most accurate model as the final experimental framework. Furthermore, the experimental design strictly controls the study area and pixel allocation, combining manual and automated methods to ensure the comparability of different ratio configurations. The main findings indicate that a blue–green ratio of 3:7 maximizes cooling efficiency; a shrub-to-tree coverage ratio of 2:8 performs best, with tree-dominated configurations outperforming shrub-dominated ones; concentrated linear layouts achieve up to a 10.01% cooling effect; and taller buildings exhibit significantly stronger UBGS cooling performance, with super-tall areas achieving cooling effects approximately 31 percentage points higher than low-rise areas. Courtyard layouts enhance airflow and synergistic cooling effects, whereas compact designs limit the cooling potential of UBGS. This study proposes an innovative application of GANs to address a key research gap in the quantitative optimization of UBGS configurations and provides a methodological reference for sustainable microclimate planning at the neighborhood scale. Full article

This study investigated the synergistic effects of vegetation configurations and microclimate factors on seasonal thermal comfort in a semi-enclosed university courtyard in Wuhan, located in China’s Hot Summer and Cold Winter climate zone (Köppen: Cfa, humid subtropical). By adopting a field measurement–simulation–validation framework, spatial parameters and annual microclimate data were collected using laser distance meters and multifunctional environmental sensors. A validated ENVI-met model (grid resolution: 2 m × 2 m × 2 m, verified by field measurements for microclimate parameters) simulated 15 vegetation scenarios with varying planting patterns, evergreen–deciduous ratios (0–100%), and ground covers. The Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) index quantified thermal comfort improvements relative to the baseline. The optimal grid-based mixed planting configuration (40% evergreen trees + 60% deciduous trees) significantly improved winter thermal comfort by raising the PET from 9.24 °C to 15.42 °C (66.98% increase) through windbreak effects while maintaining summer thermal stability with only a 1.94% PET increase (34.60 °C to 35.27 °C) via enhanced transpiration and airflow regulation. This study provides actionable guidelines for climate-responsive courtyard design, emphasizing adaptive vegetation ratios and spatial geometry alignment. Full article

In various climate conditions, courtyards have a major impact on a building’s energy efficiency and thermal performance. The purpose of this study is to understand and analyze the environmental aspects of a courtyard in a particular area. The chosen region is Trichy, which has generally warm-humid climate. To understand environmental factors like thermal comfort, natural ventilation, natural lighting, and microclimate, cases from the region were chosen. The primary objective of this paper is to utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate how these environmental factors affect the courtyard in the stated location. The chosen case is stimulated using DesignBuilder software. The field investigation is the first step in the study, which is then followed by the model-making process and stimulation. This study investigates the impact of environmental parameters on courtyard efficiency, focusing on their response to environmental conditions. Through field investigation and modeling of chosen examples, the study reveals critical elements for courtyard design success, emphasizing the relevance of knowing these characteristics for effective courtyard planning in the region. The results are beneficial for analyzing the courtyard’s circumstances since they take into consideration the courtyard’s performance towards microclimate and influences on various courtyard components. Additionally, they offer a helpful coefficient factor for additional courtyard studies. Full article

This study investigates the impact of spatial changes over a 400-year period on the summer microclimate of a residential courtyard in China. Using ENVI-met simulations, we analyze how factors such as courtyard orientation, building height, and opening positions affect the thermal environment. The results show that east–west-oriented courtyards experienced 0.2–0.4 °C lower daytime temperatures compared to north–south ones. Additionally, taller surrounding buildings increased the courtyard’s average daytime temperature by approximately 0.3–0.5 °C, while courtyards with a single opening facing the prevailing wind maintained the lowest temperatures. These findings underscore the importance of historical spatial characteristics in shaping microclimates and offer key insights for contemporary urban planning. By incorporating design strategies based on these historical spatial features, such as optimizing courtyard orientation, enhancing building height variability, and creating appropriate openings for natural ventilation, urban planners can improve microclimate conditions, reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, and enhance energy efficiency. This approach not only contributes to lowering carbon emissions but also boosts resilience to extreme heat events in urban areas, especially in regions facing rapid urbanization and climate change challenges. Full article

In the context of increasing urbanization, understanding the influence of urban spatial layouts on microclimatic conditions has become crucial, particularly in high-density reclaimed areas like those in the Macao Peninsula, where optimizing thermal comfort is essential for enhancing residents’ quality of life and promoting sustainable urban development. For this study, we assessed high-density reclaimed plots on the Macao Peninsula for a detailed case study. We conducted on-site measurements along with simulations using ENVI-met software, comparing datasets to ensure model accuracy and reliability. Through careful adjustment of simulation parameters to accurately reflect real-world conditions, we found that building layout and size have a significant effect on the Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET). Notably, in the unique climate of the Lingnan area, courtyard layouts demonstrably block external heat and wind, fostering a significantly more comfortable internal microclimate. This design strategy provides not only generous public space for fostering community activities and stronger social bonds, but also creates a visually appealing and cohesive aesthetic. This research seeks to improve resident comfort, optimize urban energy efficiency, and promote sustainable urban development principles. Accordingly, our findings serve as a valuable adaptation reference for urban environmental planning initiatives under the climate in the Lingnan area. Full article

This study investigates the role of vegetation in enhancing thermal comfort and achieving energy savings in educational building courtyards located in hot, arid climates. The research focuses on an educational building courtyard in New Aswan City, Egypt, and employs a combination of field monitoring and numerical simulations to evaluate the thermal performance of the space. The study utilized the ENVI-met V5.5.1 model for thermal assessment and the Design-Builder software version 6.1.3.007 to quantify the potential energy savings. Nine different vegetation scenarios were proposed and analyzed to identify the most effective strategies for improving the courtyard’s thermal conditions. The results demonstrate that a 60% coverage of the courtyard with Cassia Nodosa vegetation produced the most significant improvements. This scenario led to a decrease of over 25.4 °C in physiological equivalent temperature (PET) and a reduction of more than 31.3 °C in mean radiant temperature (T_mrt). Moreover, the energy savings achieved were approximately 19.2%. Interestingly, the study also observed an unexpected decrease in the temperature mitigation efficacy of Ficus nitida when vegetation coverage was increased from 40% to 60%. This phenomenon can be attributed to the complex interplay between the inherent characteristics of the Ficus nitida species and the microclimatic factors within the courtyard environment. These findings provide valuable insights for designers and architects to integrate effective vegetation strategies into the design of educational building courtyards in hot, arid climates. By enhancing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption, this approach can contribute to the creation of more sustainable and comfortable learning environments. Full article

This study examines how building space, materials, and structure affect the microclimate of Liu Tong Xinglongzhuang in central Anhui, known for its hot, humid climate and distinct architecture. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, including field monitoring, PHOENICS simulation, and Ladybug Tools, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Building materials: wood reduces indoor temperature; a glass roof over the patio lowers temperature and improves wind speed; and reducing tile area decreases solar radiation. (2) Building space: optimal comfort in stairwells is achieved with a length-to-width ratio of 1.5:1 and height-to-width ratio of 2:1; courtyards are most comfortable with a length-to-width ratio of 2.5:1 and height-to-width ratio of 1.5:1; walk-through halls are optimal with a length-to-width ratio of 2:1 and height-to-width ratio of 1.5:1; and wings achieve the highest comfort with a length-to-width ratio of 2.5:1 and height-to-width ratio of 1.5:1. (3) Building structure: optimal wind speed and temperature are achieved with specific window height-to-width ratios of 1:1 for exterior and 1.5:1 for interior windows; the lowest temperatures occur at 2:1 ratios; hexagonal exterior and circular interior windows maximize wind speed and temperature reduction; and smaller exterior door openings lower indoor temperatures and are best achieved with an interior door ratio of 2:1. These findings offer valuable data and methods for optimizing the microclimate of traditional houses, with significant practical implications. Full article

In hot and arid environments, courtyards are essential architectural elements that significantly contribute to microclimate regulation and enhanced thermal comfort. Beyond providing protection against environmental severities, these spaces elevate the standards of livability and sustainability in urban design. The traditional landscape of Mardin, Turkey, exemplifying such challenges, takes center stage in this study, where courtyards hold a prominent role in architectural composition. Facilitated by the ENVI-met software, the evaluation process herein comprehensively analyzes four representative courtyard case studies in Mardin. Key parameters, including air temperature, humidity, predicted mean vote (PMV), and wind speed, are considered to gain a nuanced understanding of their thermal dynamics. The initial evaluation of existing conditions reveals varying thermal comfort levels, with higher PMV values indicating discomfort in the courtyards, underscoring the need for interventions to enhance their microclimate regulation and resilience to climate change challenges. This study aims to enhance our comprehension of the relationship between courtyards and microclimate regulation, particularly in hot–dry regions. By examining the design principles and passive strategies of courtyards, this research identifies effective approaches for optimizing courtyard design, aiming to create sustainable and comfortable living environments. Full article

With the rapid development of urbanization and industrialization, many green spaces have been replaced by urban buildings, resulting in decreased green spaces in courtyard space. Nonetheless, as an enclosed green space integrated with the natural environment, courtyard space plays a vital role in regulating environmental microclimate, so it is necessary to study its microclimate through vegetation greening. Therefore, this study took courtyard spaces in humid and hot areas as an example, and with the help of ENVI-met 5.5.1 software, introduced an orthogonal experimental design to simulate various plant layout models, including tree layout (TL), shrub layout (SL), grass layout (GL), and the interaction of their combined layout, and analyzed the simulation results of temperature, humidity, and wind speed. The results show that first of all, plant layout plays a crucial role in cooling and wind control, and the more uniform the plant layout, the better it is for cooling and ventilation. Secondly, plant layout showed a changing pattern of cooling and wetting in the morning, noon, and afternoon periods. Furthermore, TL had the best cooling and humidifying effect in the morning and midday, and the combined interaction of TL, SL, and GL and of SL and GL significantly affected the wind speed in the courtyard space. During the afternoon, the combined interaction of TL with SL and SL with GL outperformed the single-plant-element type of layout regarding cooling and humidification efficiency. Finally, scattered-form tree layout, single-form shrub layout, and 20% grass layout were the best combinations of plant layout for cooling, humidity reduction, and ventilation. The results provide reference data and an empirical case for the microclimate optimization of summer courtyard spaces. Full article

The development of Chinese ancient architectural design has gone through three historical stages: primitive society, slave society, and feudal society. Due to the influence of geography, the environment, and the humanities, the regional architectural styles of each region were also formed. In particular, this is reflected in the residential architecture. Among residential architectures, the courtyard architectural style is the most typical, adapting to the microclimate and improving the comfort of living. This enclosed style of architecture was accompanied by the diffusion of Chinese culture and enriched the architectural design of the East Asian region. Nonetheless, as urbanisation accelerated, this traditional style of architecture began to be undermined. In addition, there is less discussion of the architectural content that embodies design ideas in terms of ritual, order, form, components, and color. In order to preserve this precious built environment, this study highlights the design style and its connotations. Through the use of case studies, the stylistic characteristics of a traditional dwelling in Northern China and the restoration process are assessed. Furthermore, observations on key building components, construction techniques, and materials are made in terms of architectural ideas. This leads to the proposition that conservation strategies should be appropriate to local conditions. The findings show that building restoration can contribute to the effective conservation of traditional building forms and provide an opportunity to inherit traditional culture. Moreover, it is more conducive to the presence of Chinese residential architecture that shines in the world discourse. New perspectives and contributions are offered in the fields of architectural design and conservation. Full article

The campus courtyards in the Lingnan area are commonly used spaces. Therefore, their thermal comfort is highly important for improving user satisfaction. This study conducted field research on 18 courtyards in four universities in Lingnan to explore the effects of their architectural design factors on the thermal environment. Relevant studies have proved that courtyards are cost-effective in microclimate regulation, and individual factors such as the scale and openness of the courtyards have also been shown to have an effect on the thermal comfort of the courtyards. This study synthesizes multidimensional architectural design factors to explore and analyze the thermal environments of college courtyards. Physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) is selected as the thermal comfort evaluation index for the study and the conclusions are as follows: (1) The thermal environment is the most important factor influencing visitors to the courtyards (22%), and good thermal comfort improves the efficiency of using the college courtyards; (2) the courtyards have a positive microclimate regulating function, and a cooling effect occurs in 80% of them; and (3) the floor location, type, orientation, and sky view factor (SVF) of the courtyards are the main design factors affecting the thermal environment and PET. The first three factors were negatively correlated with PET (p < 0.05),and SVF was positively correlated with PET (p = 0.651). Passive courtyard design strategies are presented based on the findings of this study. Full article

As the effects of climate change and urbanisation intensify, liveability and comfort in outdoor spaces decrease. Because of large spaces exposed to solar radiation and low crossing of airflows, courtyard buildings are extremely vulnerable in this regard. However, there are significant gaps in the literature on outdoor comfort in courtyards, especially regarding the effect of border configuration (including gap position and features), as well that of tree density. The study proposes a methodology—to be used during preliminary design—to compare the effect of alternative scenarios for courtyard buildings on outdoor microclimate, varying both the building perimeter configuration and courtyard vegetation layout. A matrix is set to combine the two variables and select relevant scenarios, which are then simulated in ENVI-met focusing on air temperature, wind speed and physiological equivalent temperature (PET). A case study in Bologna, Italy (humid subtropical climate) is presented as an example of the implementation. The resulting outdoor microclimate maps and frequency diagrams are compared and discussed. It emerges that both variables have a role in outdoor comfort: while gap configuration affects air temperature more (up to a difference of 1 °C), tree density impacts PET by up to 2 °C difference. The methodology can be replicated in several other contexts to support the optimisation of courtyard building design from the early stages. Full article

In the present study, the microclimatic conditions of two courtyards in the city of Athens are evaluated based on filed monitoring data and data predicted by artificial neural network models (ANNs). The study focuses on the development and application of ANNs in order to estimate air temperature and relative humidity values in complex urban forms such as courtyards from a standard meteorological station, using air temperature and relative humidity as the only inputs. The results are then evaluated to identify the prognostic ability of the developed ANNs models, showing a remarkable predictive ability. Full article

Outdoor comfort is gaining attention in the design of our cities to face the current context of rising temperatures. Although simulation is required to inform the early design stage of projects considering outdoor space and strategies to improve their thermal performance, different tool options must be compared through monitoring to determine the accuracy of their modeling. This study analyses the thermal comfort benefits of the installation of a shading device in a courtyard in the Mediterranean climate. In the study, two simulation workflows were analyzed, one using ENVI-met software and the other using the Ladybug Tools, to evaluate their performance. Air temperature monitoring data were used to validate and calibrate the simulations. Then, both were used to compute the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) to evaluate comfort. The results show that the simulation reproduced an air temperature reduction when the shading was installed, but this was not as high as the monitoring results (up to 13.7 °C). In the UTCI, in contrast, the two simulation workflows provided contradictory results. These differences were explained by analyzing the different parameters affecting comfort and the mean radiant temperature, and the air temperature was found to be the parameter most affecting the UTCI in this context. Thus, future research should focus on improving the accuracy of the simulations of these two parameters. Full article