Investigating the relationship between spatial morphology, meteorological factors, and elderly people well-being in a traditional algerian village

Abstract

In the face of climate change, outdoor spaces have become increasingly unfavorable due to heat conditions and the lack of adequate design strategies. The real consequences of these factors on human beings, both physiologically as well as physically and psychologically, are often overlooked in the short term that can turn into a long term with continuous exposure, particularly among elderly people. This study investigates the relationship between spatial morphology, meteorological factors, and the physiological and psychophysical responses of elderly people during a walk. The results demonstrated the elevation as a key factor influencing various physical environments and, consequently, elderly people's responses. High Sky View Factor (SVF) and low Height to Width ratio (H/W) significantly increased Skin Temperature of the Forehead (STForehead) and stress level, leading to a weakened state (P ≤ 0.001) and heightened thermal sensation (0.01 < P < 0.05), ultimately resulting in a decreased walking speed (P ≤ 0.001). In contrast, a higher Visible Green Index (VGI) and Building View Factor (BVF) under low mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) significantly reduced STForehead and stress level, leading to a relaxed and energetic state (P ≤ 0.001) while improving thermal perception (0.01 < P < 0.05). Thanks to the spatial configurations, including optimal H/W ratio, greenery, and northeast-southwest orientation, Tmrt was reduced approximately 5°C on one route compared to the other two. Additionally, the thermal sensation vote (TSV) could be predicted by the skin temperature of the forehead and the energetic-weak state. Meanwhile, the thermal pleasantness vote (TPV) could be predicted by STForehead, walking speed, and the relaxed-unrelaxed state.