Optimizing green space-building landscape characteristics of key urban functional zones for comprehensive thermal environment mitigation

Abstract

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect has garnered significant attention due to its detrimental effects, such as increased near-surface temperatures, reduced resident comfort, heat-related illnesses, and damage to urban ecosystems. While strategies including expanding green spaces, optimizing building layouts, adjusting vegetation, and using high-albedo materials are known to mitigate urban thermal conditions, a targeted, comprehensive approach to urban thermal management remains elusive. Our study addresses this gap by introducing a socio-economically driven method to segment the urban landscape into Urban Functional Zones, identifying and prioritizing zones with the most substantial thermal impact for enhancement. We stratify target zones into those requiring no adjustment, temporary non-adjustment, and those needing adjustment, based on the statistical distribution of land surface temperatures. We then employ landscape indices that encapsulate the spatial arrangement of green spaces and built environments, pinpointing specific structural elements within these zones for targeted thermal improvement. Adjustments are made to the building-green space landscape, focusing on high-temperature areas with the aim of aligning temperatures with low-temperature regions, guided by the identified structural elements indicated by landscape indices. Our research presents a clear, actionable framework for urban managers to improve thermal conditions, applicable to various cities requiring such interventions.