In a recent systematic review, we explored the links between spatial planning and how people experience and interact with their outdoor environments. Focusing on traditional Chinese villages, we found that elements such as building layout, vegetation, and open space design significantly influence not only the local microclimate but also people’s thermal comfort and social behavior.

What stood out was the importance of context. The effectiveness of certain design principles varies across geographic regions, cultural settings, and spatial scales—from single courtyards to entire village clusters. Another key insight: while many studies focus on temperature and airflow data, surprisingly few address how people actually experience and adapt to their environment.

We argue for a more integrated approach—one that blends climate-sensitive design with ecological awareness and human perception. In the face of rising temperatures and climate adaptation challenges, these traditional systems may offer valuable, place-based lessons for the future of rural development.

Read the full article here:
Wan, Z., Liu, H., Yu, Y., Wu, Y., Melchior, M., Martens, P., Krafft, T., & Shaw, D. (2025). How Does Outdoor Spatial Design Shape the Microclimate, Comfort, and Behavior in Traditional Chinese Villages? A Systematic Review Across Scales, Contexts, and Users. Sustainability, 17(15), 6960. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/15/6960