Balancing spatial ethic and climate justice of elderly: optimizing natural ventilation in traditional Chaoshan residential buildings

Abstract This study explores the climate justice of summer cooling for rural elderly residents in Chaoshan region, China. By 2020, the elderly population in the region had risen to 11.42%, with a large proportion of low-income seniors. Due to financial constraints, they cannot afford air conditioning, and natural ventilation in their living spaces, particularly the rear halls of traditional dwellings, is severely inadequate. This not only causes discomfort but also poses potential health risks, highlighting a distinct climate vulnerability gap. Traditional dwellings in Chaoshan villages, standardized into Types A, B, and C, follow a strict spatial hierarchy that places the elderly in rear zones. Measurements reveal striking ventilation inequality: wind speeds reach approximately 2 m/s in front areas but drop to near 0 m/s in rear spaces. To address this, the study employs CFD simulations to test potential solutions. Expanding courtyards shows limited effectiveness, whereas roof skylights, especially the front-rear dual design, significantly improve rear hall ventilation. In a typical dwelling, rear hall wind speed increases from 0.025 m/s to 0.232 m/s.This low-cost, heritage-compatible intervention directly targets the climate health needs of a marginalized group, ensuring their right to thermal comfort amid climate change. By reconciling traditional spatial order with equitable climate adaptation, the study offers a model for climate action that centers justice, prioritizing vulnerable populations' needs while respecting cultural identities in traditional rural context of southern China.