Urban cold stress assessment using computational fluid dynamics and universal thermal climate index: A case study of Gwacheon City, South Korea
Jaekyoung Kim, Samuel Park, Seungkwon Jung, Gunwon Lee · 2025
Summary
This peer-reviewed study develops and validates a computational framework for assessing pedestrian-level cold stress in urban environments. Using 54 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) scenarios, urban surface material properties and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), the researchers modelled winter microclimate conditions in Gwacheon, South Korea, and validated the results against observations from three meteorological stations. The analysis identified approximately 886,519 m² experiencing strong cold stress during a February 2025 cold-weather event, particularly around high-rise residential areas and exposed green spaces. The methodology provides a quantitative approach for identifying cold-stress hotspots and informing climate-responsive urban design, including material selection, building configuration and pedestrian thermal comfort.
- Topics
- Planning & DesignData & Monitoring
- Target audience
- Zoning plannersUrban plannersLandscape plannersOther
- Mode
- Walking
- Conditions
- WinterCold
- Countries
- South Korea(Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province)
- Language
- English
- Access
- Open access
- License
- CC BY 4.0
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.scs.2025.106830