Sunken Courtyards for Microclimate Improvement in Public-Building Outdoor Spaces: A Design-Evaluation Framework and Evidence from Coupled Simulation and Field Metrics
Journal: Architecture Engineering and Science DOI: 10.32629/aes.v6i4.4791
Abstract
Sunken courtyards (sunken plazas) are increasingly used to connect underground or semi-underground public programs with outdoor space, yet their microclimate behavior is often treated as an “afterthought” during schematic design. This paper develops a design-oriented workflow for improving outdoor thermal comfort and ventilation performance in sunken courtyards serving public buildings, and validates it through controlled design scenarios and coupled simulations. The results translate into a practical set of design rules and an evidence-first workflow that supports both microclimate improvement and usable public space quality.
Keywords
sunken courtyard; outdoor thermal comfort; UTCI; mean radiant temperature; CFD; blue–green infrastructure; shading design
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Copyright © 2026 Han Yang, Chunsuo Yang
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