by Jiadai Tang, Wan Yusryzal Bin Wan Ibrahim
ABSTRACT
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon has emerged as a significant environmental challenge in rapidly expanding urban areas, resulting in elevated temperatures and diminished thermal comfort. This research investigates the potential of sustainable landscape design to mitigate UHI effects within garden-style and urban parks, employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a primary analytical tool. The study addresses three key objectives: first, to determine the influence of vegetation density, water elements, and shaded structures on surface temperature alleviation; second, to explore the relationship between park dimensions, tree canopy coverage, and reductions in air temperature; and third, to assess the effects of landscape materials, soil permeability, and the proportion of green space on overall thermal comfort. A quantitative methodology was adopted, incorporating remote sensing, GIS-based spatial analysis, and statistical modelling in SPSS, with a sample comprising 18 parks located in China. Results demonstrate that vegetation density, tree canopy coverage, and water features contribute substantially to temperature reduction, whereas landscape materials alone exhibit minimal influence on thermal comfort. The study suggests that urban park planning should prioritise the integration of dense canopy vegetation, shaded areas, and water features to enhance thermal regulation. These outcomes offer practical guidance for urban planners, emphasising the necessity for data-driven strategies in green infrastructure development. Nonetheless, the research is constrained by its cross-sectional design and the omission of seasonal temperature fluctuations, which should be addressed in subsequent investigations.
