Comparison of strategies for optimizing thermal comfort in residential buildings under different climates

Thermal comfort in residential buildings is a critically important parameter for assessing the quality and sustainability of the living environment, remaining a relevant subject of scientific research. This article systematizes and analyzes specialized approaches to optimizing thermal comfort in residential spaces, taking into account the diversity of climatic regions. Based on a comparative analysis of typical residential development projects and both Chinese and international experiences, the study is structured around four climatic types: tropical, subtropical, temperate, and cold. The analysis is conducted at two levels of spatial organization: at the neighborhood scale and at the individual building scale. The focus is on a comparative assessment of key architectural urban planning and engineering technical elements: building orientation; spatial planning solutions; thermal performance characteristics of building envelopes; external shading and natural ventilation systems; integration of green spaces and water features; application of technologies based on renewable energy sources. The study identifies climatically determined implementation priorities and synergistic methods for combining these strategies. A comprehensive scheme has been developed that establishes a correlation between climatic conditions, applied methods, and their design implementations. This scheme formulates strategic recommendations for the integrated application of methods and basic principles for their adaptation, providing a foundation for climate responsive design of residential environments.