Thermal comfort in academic green spaces : a comparative perception analysis of two universities in Finland and Sri Lanka

Abstract

Climate change has significantly impacted human physical and mental health worldwide, with increasing global temperatures and urban heat island effect exacerbating challenges to outdoor thermal comfort in densely populated urban areas, where academic institutions are often situated. These adverse impacts extend beyond mere discomfort, affecting the health, productivity, and overall well-being of students, who are more exposed to increasing temperatures and demanding thermally comfortable outdoor spaces in academic premises. This research investigates the objective thermal conditions and thermal comfort perceptions among university students in Finland and Sri Lanka, aiming at identifying the factors affecting outdoor thermal comfort, which can inform design and management suggestions for thermally comfortable academic green spaces in similar climatic regions. The study reveals that most students perceive their thermal environments as warm or hot, with a stronger preference for cooler conditions among Sri Lankan students. Objective measurements show significantly higher temperatures and humidity in Sri Lanka, leading to greater discomfort compared to Finland. Factors such as past activity levels, environmental parameters, surface materials, and cultural influences significantly affect thermal comfort perceptions. The findings emphasize the importance of climate-specific and culturally sensitive design strategies to enhance thermal comfort with future predictions of increasing temperatures. Recommendations for Finland include flexible shading, breathable materials, and support for versatile outdoor activities. Constant shade and improved ventilation are crucial for Sri Lanka. Both settings benefit from the integration of water features, appropriate surface materials, and enhanced shaded areas to minimize heat retention and promote well-being. The research also highlights limitations, such as the short data collection period and the focus on specific locations, suggesting that future studies should take more holistic approach. This study underscores the need for climate resilient academic green spaces that support student well-being and foster community engagement, providing valuable insights for sustainable campus planning across diverse climates.