Sunken Courtyards for Microclimate Improvement in Public-Building Outdoor Spaces: A Design-Evaluation Framework and Evidence from Coupled Simulation and Field Metrics
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.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Urban Heat Island Mitigation
Building Energy and Comfort Optimization
Wind and Air Flow Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Architecture Engineering and Science
- Volume
- 6
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 431–431
- Publication date
- 27 January 2026
- Language
- EN