Human Comfort in Landscape Microclimates: A Case Study of Three Parks in Shanghai, PRC

Achieving human comfort in the urban microclimate is becoming more difficult as cities continue to increase in size, density, and temperature. Human comfort is an important aspect of landscape architecture because it affects the use of outdoor public spaces. However, current landscape architecture practice is lacking with regard to climate-sensitive design and human comfort considerations. In this study we conducted a post-occupancy analysis to test human comfort in three parks in the urban metropolis of Shanghai, PRC using a mixed methods descriptive analysis. We administered surveys to park users while simultaneously collecting weather data to measure human comfort in each park's microclimate. We also analyzed the three sites using satellite imagery to determine approximate percentages of tree cover, hardscape vs. softscape, exposure to water, and spaces in full sun, partial shade, and full shade. We calculated mean levels of human comfort overall, as well as for each park, and based on sun and water exposure. Differences among population means were tested for significance using a standard two-tailed t-test with an alpha level of 0.05. Based on a total sample size of 421 surveys, we found that the World Expo Garden, designed with human comfort specifically in mind, achieved the highest level of human comfort. Xuhui Waterfront, situated just across Huangpu River from Expo, achieved the second highest level of human comfort. The lowest comfort levels reported in the study were at Fuxing Park, situated within the inner city and away from the river with the least exposure to water. The findings of our study support current microclimate design theory. The Shanghai World Expo Garden achieved its design goal of maximizing human comfort and provides concrete evidence that if microclimate is given preference in design goals, then more comfortable spaces for people can be created.