Exploratory Mixed-Methods Analysis of Micro-Climate and Human Thermal Comfort in Campus Open Spaces in a Hot Arid Region: Implications for Sustainable Campus Planning at Hashemite University, Jordan

Outdoor thermal comfort in hot, arid regions critically influences campus open-space use and the sustainability of university campuses, including reduced cooling energy demand and enhanced livability, yet validated integrated assessments remain scarce. This study aims to explore the relationship among microclimate conditions, thermal comfort, and the sustainable use of campus open spaces in a hot, arid region, with the goal of identifying design strategies that enhance both user comfort and environmental sustainability. The study incorporated: (1) a site audit; (2) exploratory RayMan simulations ( n = 180, unvalidated) calculating Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) across five zones; and (3) a June survey ( n = 156, 52% response rate). Physical analysis revealed height-to-width ratios of 0.13–0.30, representing an 80–91% deficit below the 1.5 minimum commonly recommended benchmark for effective shading in the literature. Unvalidated simulations estimated a mean annual PET of 31.2 °C (SD = 4.8 °C), with 17.6% of annual PET values within the comfort range and 65.2% within the hot range. For June, unvalidated simulations estimated 4% of PET values within the comfort range, while 35.5% of respondents reported thermal comfort (mean ASHRAE 1.66, warm range)—a descriptive discrepancy of 31.5 percentage points. Self-reported social factors (friends: 79.8%) ranked higher than shading space selection responses; behavioral observations are required to confirm actual use patterns. Priority interventions from physical analysis and user reports include optimized shade, cool materials (albedo ≥ 0.60), and intentional greening—subject to validation with calibrated measurements. By linking microclimate modification to increased open-space usability and reduced cooling energy demand, this research contributes to sustainable campus planning frameworks. Pending field validation and seasonal surveys, the quantitative thermal comfort estimates should be considered exploratory rather than conclusive.