A novel outdoor thermal comfort simulation model for heritage environments (OTC-SM-HE): Verify the effectiveness in Gulangyu, China

The study of outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) for heritage environments can offer essential guidance for the articulation of multiple values of cultural heritage and the sustainable development of traditional settlements. However, previous study methods often fail to capture the complexity and diversity of heritage environments completely. This study proposes a novel outdoor thermal comfort simulation model for heritage environments (OTC-SM-HE) based on 3D real scene modeling technology and universal thermal climate index (UTCI). The effectiveness of the model is verified by comparing it with field test data in Gulangyu Island. The results show that: 1) UTCI are calculated by OTC-SM-HE and field testing showed high proximity started at 14:00 or 15:00 in the same space on different dates, respectively. 2) The mean error is 2.02 °C of UTCI in the same period and space, and the mean d-index of validation of models is 0.735.3) The similarity of trend duration is 85% in field test time. Thus, OTC-SM-HE can be shown to be effective in terms of response spatial characteristics, numerical values and variation trends. The establishment of OTC-SM-HE aims to simulate and evaluate the effects of meteorological conditions, shading facilities, and greening measures on the OTC of visitors and residents in different heritage environments. It provides a scientific basis and optimization recommendations for the sustainable management of heritage environments. •Proposes a new OTC simulation model for heritage environments (OTC-SM-HE).•OTC-SM-HE replaces traditional manual 3D models with 3D real scene models.•The effectiveness of OTC-SM-HE was verified with field-measured UTCI.•UCTIs showed similar trends to UCTIt over 85%, with an RMSE of 2.67.