Research on the spatial form effects of thermal comfort on urban waterfront trails in summer–a case study of West Lake in Hangzhou, China

Abstract

The waterfront trail is a crucial outdoor activity area for urban residents, but the increasing high temperature in summer has negatively affected the quality of outdoor activities. To address this issue, this article examines the relationship between the spatial form of the waterfront trails and thermal comfort, using the West Lake Hangzhou trails as an example. Seven waterfront trail spaces were selected for the study, and six spatial structure parameters and three climatic parameters were measured on three representative summer days. The Rayman model was then used to calculate the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) value of each sample plot based on five climate parameters, human body parameters, and Sky View Factor (SVF). The results indicate that the primary spatial form factors affecting the microclimate and thermal comfort of the waterfront trails in summer are the average tree height, the average tree spacing, and the ratio of shadow-generating side tree height to the trail width. The average tree height significantly impacts thermal comfort, followed by the tree spacing and the shadow-generating side tree height ratio to the trail width. These parameters primarily affect the thermal comfort of the waterfront trails through air temperature and wind speed. The study’s findings can guide the design of waterfront trail spaces and help create waterfront trails that combine climate comfort and landscape.