Comparative analysis of thermal and visual comfort perceptions of outdoor military training of University students

A well-designed outdoor environment can enhance thermal and visual comfort of University students and may even mitigate health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Previous studies pay less attention to both thermal and visual perceptions during outdoor training of University students. This study aims to investigate differences and correlations between thermal and visual perceptions of University students in different standing venues and under different standing conditions in a military training team during summer military training. In this study, freshmen were invited to fill in questionnaires during military training breaks. Microclimate parameters were continuously monitored. The results showed that having shade during rest periods can significantly improve thermal and visual perceptions, resulting in a significant increase of 0.75 in mean thermal comfort vote (MTCV) and an increase of 0.55 in mean visual comfort vote (MVCV). Standing in the middle of phalanx also had a positive impact on thermal and visual comfort, with increases of 0.88 and 0.73 in MTCV and MVCV, respectively. Strong positive correlation between thermal comfort and visual comfort can be found. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing campus outdoor spaces, which help to avoid overexposure to hot outdoor environments and reduce health risks.