Abstract
Thermal comfort is among the chief indicators of the sustainability of outdoor spaces. However, the complex nature of comfort represents the interaction of several determinants that leads to a perception of the thermal environment. Recently, researchers have paid particular attention to non-physical factors to understand the mechanisms involved in thermal perceptions in urban environments. The extant literature has contended that culture and cultural background are determinants to individuals’ thermal perceptions. Therefore, this study aimed to review how the link between outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) and cultural background is investigated. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first review study on the subject. The study used a systematic literature review approach based on secondary data available in relevant and contemporary literature. The findings first showed the scarcity of research on cultural background and OTC; however, all studies identified corroborated the significant impact of cultural background on thermal perceptions. Notably, the cultural background was found to be the source of variation in thermal perceptions, tolerance to, and preference for certain thermal conditions, thermal comfort requirements and expectations, choice of clothing, and environmental attitudes. The findings provide a sound basis for future researchers to address the research gaps identified. The study also raises policy makers’ and designers’ awareness of urban environment users’ genuine needs and requirements.
Highlights
Weather conditions are a dominant factor in influencing the perception of comfort in outdoor environments [1,2]
The following sections provide an analysis of the profile of studies reviewed, the cultural aspect of thermal comfort and the application of theoretical foundations to explain comfort data, and the impact of cultural background on thermal adaptation
Less attention is paid to the cultural aspect of outdoor thermal comfort (OTC)
Summary
Weather conditions are a dominant factor in influencing the perception of comfort in outdoor environments [1,2]. The increasing number of people living within cities puts the entire socioeconomic-political system at risk of aggravating extreme conditions. Improvement in the quality of city life in urban environments can be made through understanding the factors affecting the local meteorological conditions [4]. The concern emanates from an increasing proportion of heat island effects (UHI) with a negative impact on outdoor thermal comfort (OTC). A clear understanding of the requirements of OTC is required to create a thermally comfortable urban environments that is well perceived by community members
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have