A Study on the Spatial Form of Traditional Villages in Jiangnan Region of China from the Perspective of Human Thermal Comfort ：A Case Study of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

Abstract

Abstract Chinese traditional villages have undergone a protracted process of natural selection and evolution, resulting in a spatial configuration with climate adaptability has emerged. This form embodies the ecological wisdom of ancient Chinese civilizations who "adapt to nature and transform nature." Under the context of China's rural revitalization, a study into the microclimate and thermal comfort of traditional villages holds promise for fostering the development of ecologically sustainable and aesthetically pleasing rural communities. This study focuses on three representative traditional villages in Nanjing. By employing a combination of measured data and ENVI-met numerical simulation, the microclimate effects of distinct spatial domains in these villages are analyzed. Additionally, the thermal comfort PET values are calculated using the Rayman platform, thereby objectively examining the relationship between spatial configuration and microclimate factors in Jiangnan traditional villages. The findings reveal that the PET values range from 38.4 to 57°C in summer and from 0.1 to 27°C in winter, with winter thermal comfort generally surpassing that of summer. Finally, the spatial configuration and landscape elements that influence human thermal comfort are revealed and transformation strategies tailored to each space type are summarized, aiming to provide scientifically grounded and rational recommendations for climate-adaptive design in rural areas.