The integrated influence of waterfront landscapes on thermal sensation, emotions, and perceived restorativeness from an urban microclimatic perspective
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22432802 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Li Li (0000-0001-9700-9682), Zixuan Zhang (0009-0000-1281-0324), Riyi Li (corresponding author), Wenhao Qiu (0000-0003-1063-3699), Kexin Zhou (0000-0001-9227-2449), Nan Zhang (0000-0002-8032-275X), Lihua Zhao (0000-0003-2868-2181), Qinglin Meng (0000-0003-0544-1967) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 66 |
| Pages | 102837 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Urban Climate (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2212-0955 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.uclim.2026.102837 |
| OpenAlex | W7132827123 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 36 |
As a core component of the urban ecological system, waterfront landscapes play a crucial role in mitigating urban heat island. Exposure to waterfront landscapes alters individuals' thermal sensation, emotions, and perceived restorativeness. However, the interrelationships among these factors remain insufficiently understood. This study employs virtual reality (VR) as the primary tool to examine the influence of waterfront landscape design elements under varying thermal conditions within a climate chamber. Results demonstrate that: (1) VR exposure significantly intensified thermal sensation—exacerbating cold discomfort at low temperatures and heat discomfort at high temperatures, while improving comfort under neutral to slightly cool or warm conditions. (2) Emotions were jointly shaped by thermal environments and landscape characteristics. Waterfront landscapes generally enhanced positive emotions. In hot conditions, emotional stability declined, but higher wind speeds effectively promoted positive affect. (3) For perceived restorativeness, Being away and Fascination scored highest, followed by Compatibility, while Extent scored lowest. (4) Mediation analysis revealed that thermal sensation influenced perceived restorativeness indirectly through emotions. (5) Design recommendations highlight the preference for near- and mid-waterfront zones where both water and vegetation are visible. Restorative effects were amplified by incorporating red and pink vegetation, employing mass planting for lushness, emphasizing trunk form in isolated planting, and using liner planting to strengthen spatial extension. Overall, this study demonstrates the mediating role of emotion between thermal sensation and perceived restorativeness, offering theoretical and practical insights for climate and restorative waterfront landscape design.
Climate change · Microclimate · Thermal · Urban Environment · Urban heat island · Urban park · Place Attachment and Urban Studies · Urban Green Space and Health · Urban Heat Island Mitigation
Thermal comfort and psychological adaptation as a guide for designing urban spaces
Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments
The multisensory interaction between auditory, visual, and thermal to the overall comfort in public open space
The role of blue and green infrastructure in thermal sensation in public urban areas
Critical factors influencing the comfort evaluation for recreational walking in urban street environments
Urban collage
Perception and drivers of cultural ecosystem services in waterfront green spaces
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |