Multi-scale wind environment regulation and seasonal response mechanisms of traditional settlements in Nanxi River Basin

As global climate change intensifies, the need for climate-responsive preservation strategies becomes urgent. Traditional settlements, shaped by long-term human-environment interactions, provide valuable insights into climate adaptation. This study examines the seasonal wind environment response and directional control mechanisms in traditional settlements of the Nanxi River Basin, China, focusing on heritage conservation and climate adaptation. Using a cross-scale analytical framework combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and statistical analysis, the research investigates wind environments at macro, meso, and micro scales. Findings show that settlements balance wind speed through topography and layout at the macro scale, while street and alley patterns control airflow direction at the mesoscale. At the micro scale, heritage spaces function as wind shelters in winter and air conduits in summer, supporting seasonal adaptation. The study highlights the importance of preserving these adaptive mechanisms in heritage conservation, offering a foundation for integrating climate adaptation into preservation practices.