Influence of Multisensory Perceptions on Thermal Comfort in Heat Wave Weather with Different Heat Pressures

Abstract

Under the dual effects of global climate change and urban heat islands, heat wave disasters have become a norm. With the development of the concept of resilient cities, the healthy development of urban systems and the physical and mental health of residents are receiving increasing attention. We chose humid-hot climatic regions for the experiment. In this study, we used the structural equation model technique to construct a multisensory modality model for interpreting the pathways and mechanisms by which visual, auditory, and olfactory perceptions (VAO perceptions) affect thermal comfort and help identify the key perceptual indicators that affect people’s thermal comfort under weather with different heat pressures. The study showed that thermal comfort is also influenced by VAO perceptions. Under high heat pressure, the total effect of VAO perceptions on thermal comfort is 70.6%, which have an indirect effect on thermal comfort through the mediation of thermal sensation and psychological cognition. Among the perceptual indicators, the auditory effect and the richness of landscape colors have a greater impact on thermal comfort. Under moderate heat pressure, the total effect of VAO perceptions on thermal comfort is 63%, which can have a direct impact on thermal comfort. Among the perceptual indicators, the coordination of spatial layout and plant odor have a greater impact on thermal comfort. This study incorporated multidimensional landscape perception into the planning and design of urban thermal environments, which provides a valuable reference for humid-hot regions to cope with heat wave disasters and thermal comfort research.