The influence of perceived aesthetic and acoustic quality on outdoor thermal comfort in urban environment

Abstract

Thermal comfort in outdoor space is essential for human health and human wellbeing. The comfortable outdoor space enhances urban livability and sustainability. Currently, the influence of environmental quality on human thermal comfort is not conclusive. Research on the interrelation between perceived environmental quality and subjective human thermal comfort is needed to have a concrete argument. This paper examines the relationship between perceived aesthetics, perceived acoustics, and the outdoor thermal comfort in Hong Kong during the hot summer, by conducting questionnaires and on-site meteorological measurement. Thermal sensation vote (TSV) showed a strong, negative association with the perceived aesthetics vote and acoustics vote as calculated for 1 °C UTCI bin. It was also revealed that the groups with satisfactory of perceived acoustic and aesthetics have a significantly higher comfort vote than that of unsatisfactory groups. Findings suggest that humans in a perceptually quiet and beautiful outdoor environment have a significantly higher thermal tolerance, and lower thermal sensitivity. This work provides valuable data on the effects of perceived environmental quality on outdoor thermal comfort in subtropical hot summers in high density urban settings. These findings help the urban development in the outdoor urban environment in our changing climate. Urban planner and designer can create a more satisfactory aesthetic and acoustic environment to improve the thermal tolerance and adaptation of individuals in the outdoor urban environment.