Improving the Thermal Comfort of an Open Space via Landscape Design: A Case Study in Hot and Humid Areas

Hot and humid areas experience constant high temperatures humidity during summer, causing widespread concern about outdoor thermal discomfort. This paper investigates the effects of landscape design strategies on environments typical summer winter weather conditions in hot–humid China. The physiological equivalent temperature (PET) is used for evaluating performance proposed environments. ENVI-met software was validated via field measurements this study to evaluate environment under conditions. Three kinds common elements were analyzed: tree species, pavement, water bodies. results show that (1) by properly arranging elements, PET can be reduced up 1.6 °C without sacrificing relevant comfort winter. (2) Arbors with leaf area density (LAD) values performed better than those a low LAD value improved comfort. (3) influence pavement differs when shade. provides practical suggestions open spaces within areas.