In the heart of Qingdao, a city known for its maritime heritage and historic architecture, researchers are delving into the thermal comfort of courtyards, a feature that’s not just culturally significant but also crucial for urban planning and maritime sectors. Led by Cheng Ran from the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Qingdao University of Technology, a study published in ‘Case Studies in Thermal Engineering’ (translated as ‘Case Studies in Thermal Engineering’) is shedding light on how courtyards in historic districts like Riyuan can influence outdoor thermal comfort during scorching summer heatwaves.
The research, which combines microclimate data and survey responses, reveals that larger courtyards might not always be better when it comes to thermal comfort. “Larger courtyards cool down more slowly, exhibit a wider range of PET temperatures, and have reduced cooling effectiveness,” Ran explains. PET, or Physiological Equivalent Temperature, is a measure used to quantify thermal comfort. The study found that beyond a certain size, courtyards may lose their ability to regulate temperature effectively, potentially impacting the comfort of those using these spaces.
For maritime professionals, this research opens up avenues for innovative urban planning and design, particularly in coastal cities where historic districts often coexist with modern infrastructure. Understanding how courtyards influence thermal comfort can help in the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, a growing trend in maritime cities aiming to preserve their heritage while modernizing their urban landscapes.
The study establishes a neutral temperature of 26.29°C for the Riyuan block in the Sifang Road historical area, with an acceptable range of 13.93°C to 29.79°C and a preferred temperature of 25.83°C. These findings provide a benchmark for future projects, offering a scientific basis for designing courtyards that enhance thermal comfort.
From a commercial perspective, this research presents opportunities for maritime sectors involved in urban development, architecture, and tourism. By incorporating these findings, developers can create more comfortable and sustainable urban spaces, attracting residents, tourists, and businesses alike. Moreover, the adaptive reuse of historic buildings can breathe new life into old structures, preserving cultural heritage while meeting modern needs.
As Cheng Ran puts it, “This work not only contributes to the theoretical framework for regional thermal comfort assessment but also provides valuable insights for the renovation and adaptive reuse of Riyuan block.” For maritime professionals, this is a call to action to integrate these insights into their projects, creating cities that are not only economically vibrant but also thermally comfortable and culturally rich.