Effects of urban forms on the Thermal-Acoustic-Air comfort in high-density neighborhoods: A case study of Shuangjing subdistrict, Beijing

Abstract

Abstract Improving environmental comfort can help promote residents’ health and well-being in urban areas. This article takes Shuangjing subdistrict in Beijing as an example to explore the complicated effects of urban forms on the thermal-acoustic-air comfort in high-density neighborhoods aiming to provide urban regeneration strategy supports for improving the environmental comfort of residents. The results show that the eastern region exhibits better thermal-air comfort, while the southwest region demonstrates greater acoustic-air comfort. The central region experiences the poorest acoustic-thermal comfort but boasts the highest air comfort. In addition, all three types of environmental comfort are influenced by sky view factor (SVF), spatial enclosure, research unit area, and building height, with distinct underlying mechanisms. The research findings demonstrate that regarding urban forms air comfort and acoustic comfort share similar requirements while thermal comfort and acoustic comfort exhibit opposing demands. Urban designers need to carefully balance the spatial requirements for these three comfort types. Zoning management and design strategies emerge as feasible approaches.