Urban park cooling strategies for thermal comfort improvement in humid subtropical climates: a review of empirical evidence

Urban parks are considered a vital nature-based solution for mitigating the urban heat island effect. The urban park cooling effect (UPCE) is greatly affected by climate, thus studying it in humid subtropical climates is essential for urban park planning and design. This systematic review aims to (1) understand the evolution of UPCE studies in humid subtropical climates; (2) identify UPCE-influencing factors; and (3) explore urban park cooling strategies for thermal comfort improvement. We analysed research articles from 2009 to 2024 using online databases Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Overall, 82 articles were reviewed. The results indicate that although research in this area has increased in recent years, most studies still focus on Asian cities, indicating significant regional disparities. UPCE is influenced by park geometry and landscape pattern, plant cluster characteristics, and external environmental factors. However, some factors remain controversial, and confirmation of seasonal variations is necessary. This study also shows that organising urban park layouts and designs can boost thermal comfort in humid subtropical climates. Shade system use, blue-green infrastructure integration, and park ventilation are reviewed. This climate-adaptive design strategies and framework is to help urban planners and designers to strategize and improving urban park with effective cooling and thermal comfort mitigation in humid subtropical climates.

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