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Outdoor thermal comfort assessment: A review on thermal comfort research in Australia

Shooshtarian, Salman; Lam, Cho Kwong Charlie; Kenawy, Inji

Authors

Salman Shooshtarian

Cho Kwong Charlie Lam



Abstract

Outdoor thermal comfort could significantly affect the usage and success of urban places. Accordingly, it is recommended to be considered in both urban design and planning projects. Urbanisation has been recognised as a major factor in elevated daily temperature values in Australia. This study aims to investigate the past and current position of outdoor thermal comfort studies in the Australian context. A critical review is conducted to examine the quality of thermal comfort assessment in Australia's cities. Twenty-five studies were reviewed to give a precise overview of past thermal comfort studies. The review scrutinises the focus of research, methodologies applied, data collection methods and results. This review helps main stakeholders in urban development better understand the evolution of outdoor thermal comfort with respect to liveability. In this line, where possible, the shortcomings are identified, certain solutions are provided and the need for further research is highlighted. In particular, future studies are necessary to cover missing geographical regions and ethnicities that are not considered in the existing literature. Furthermore, more psychological thermal adaptation studies are necessary, especially in transient thermal conditions. Qualitative analysis is also recommended to be incorporated in further studies in addition to considering the perceived environmental quality. The study serves as a reference to researchers, urban designers and planners to enhance their knowledge for achieving outdoor thermal comfort and understanding the gaps that need to be addressed in further studies.

Citation

Shooshtarian, S., Lam, C. K. C., & Kenawy, I. (2020). Outdoor thermal comfort assessment: A review on thermal comfort research in Australia. Building and Environment, 177, Article 106917. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106917

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 21, 2020
Online Publication Date Apr 27, 2020
Publication Date 2020-06
Deposit Date Sep 14, 2022
Journal Building and Environment
Print ISSN 0360-1323
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 177
Article Number 106917
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106917
Keywords Thermal conditions, Outdoor thermal comfort, Thermal perception, Urban planning, Urban liveability
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2916104