Microclimate and outdoor leisure activities in China's residential communities: The Wuhan experiment

Abstract

<p>Urban microclimate is of growing concerns to researchers and practitioners. Evidences are lacking on how much behavioral will a favorable microclimate induce in a real urban space. This paper studies the impact of microclimate on outdoor leisure activities in Wuhan, China. The study is unique in that large amount of behavioral data were collected during an experiment in which a previously underused playground was renovated to reduce summertime heat stress. Survey, observation and measurement data were conducted on site over the course of 24 months, before and after the experiment. Results show that an improved microclimate increases occupancy, the duration of activities, as well as self-reported thermal comfort, after controlling air quality, meteorological conditions and holidays/weekends. Behaviors with higher metabolic rate and interactions disappear under heat stress, such as exercising, group dancing or chess game. The study suggests that microclimate-sensitive design, although simple and affordable, brings health and social benefits.</p>