A comprehensive review of thermal adaptive strategies in outdoor spaces

Abstract

Urbanisation has replaced vegetation and natural spaces with hard and impervious surfaces and this transition in cities has led to a sequence of adverse events in urban ecosystems across the world. The use of outdoor spaces is highly dependent on climatic conditions. Thermally uncomfortable outdoor spaces may discourage participation in outdoor activities and increase indoor energy consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and adopt thermal adaptive strategies to provide appropriate thermal conditions for urban residents. A number of studies that review the literature on different thermal adaptive strategies exist. However, the existing reviews lack comprehensiveness, often present results which are mixed with simulation and field studies, recommended strategies suitable for certain climate conditions or are not properly structured. Therefore, this study intends to present a critical analysis on the thermal adaptive strategies that are advisable for outdoor spaces. This review is structured around the Adaptation to Outdoor Climate (AOC) model containing three clusters of adaptive strategies: (a) “environmental and technological modifications” (b) “behavioural adjustments” and (c) “psychological adaptation”. Reviewing mostly recent studies, this paper aims to shed light on the cutting-edge knowledge on improving outdoor thermal comfort conditions.