Wind Environment Simulation and Optimisation Strategies for Block Spatial Forms in Cold Low Mountainous Areas—A Case Study of Changchun, China

Abstract

Low mountainous areas provide high-quality ecological environments, offering a high urban development value globally. However, cold low mountainous areas are greatly affected by wind environments. Therefore, this study investigates a simulated block wind environment in a typical city in a cold low mountainous area. As opposed to previous work, we put forward the block spatial modes quantitatively for cold low mountainous areas. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology is used to simulate the wind environment of building blocks, including point-type high-rise buildings and row-type multi-story buildings. We propose a new targeted wind environment measurement system developed using PHOENICS 2018 and a spatial combination model using urban information sensing for sustainable development. By comparing the average wind speed (WAS) and calm wind area ratio (SCA) under different simulation conditions, we were able find that when the building form, slope direction, and slope were constant, WAS was inversely proportional to SCA, following the order of south slope > west slope > southwest slope > southeast slope. Second, proper selection of 1:2 and 1:3 ratios for point-type high-rise buildings (HPT) can provide good ventilation for cold low mountainous areas. In addition, continuous high-rise buildings should be avoided. These strategies have been applied in practice in the spatial design of the Lianhuashan tourist resort in Changchun. Possible optimization strategies for planners and governments could include promoting pedestrian spatial environments in these special areas. Moreover, this research is significant for the collection and mining of data-based wind information in cold low mountainous areas, thereby providing scientific quantitative evaluation methods and spatial organisation optimisation guidelines.