How Urban Morphology Affects Wind-Heat Environment: An Example in Beijing from Ancient Cities to Modern Cities

Abstract

The urban wind-heat environment is a critical component affecting residents' health. This research investigates the impact of urban morphology on the heat and wind environment, focusing on three distinct residential blocks in Beijing's Nanluoguxiang Historic District. The three neighborhoods represent ancient, modern, and a mix of historical and modern urban forms. The ENVI-met was utilized to simulate wind speeds and temperatures for ancient times (1880) and modern times (2023). The results reveal that traditional urban forms with compact buildings and courtyards create more moderate wind and heat conditions. Modern urban forms with high-rise buildings and open spaces result in higher wind speeds and temperatures. The findings highlight the importance of preserving traditional urban layouts for comfortable microclimates. Keywords: Urban microclimate, Urban design, Historic district, Numerical simulation, China