A spatiotemporal analysis of outdoor thermal comfort and spatial configuration influences on children's urban liveability in a semi-arid Algerian context

Purpose This study explicitly investigates how outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) and spatial configuration jointly shape children's urban liveability (CUL) in the Square of El Khroub, a semi-arid context. It further examines which factors most strongly influence CUL, particularly where thermal conditions often outweigh spatial qualities, underscoring the need for inclusive, climate-responsive and child-friendly urban spaces. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative behavioural mapping and ethically approved surveys of children (6–12) and caregivers with quantitative on-site measurements and simulations of mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) in Rhinoceros, plus spatial analysis in DepthmapX using visual integration (VI) and tchoice. The sample size was pragmatic and Pearson correlations explored spatial–thermal influences. Findings Results show that OTC impacts CUL more than spatial configuration. Although spatial connectivity correlated with children's activity (R2 = 0.89, p 0.05), usage dropped by 72% under thermal stress (Tmrt 40°C; UTCI 38°C). Child presence increased in cooler evenings (UTCI 23–28°C), while spatial integration remained stable. Highly integrated areas (VI = 18.43) were underused in heat, whereas cooler, less integrated zones (VI = 14.81, Tmrt 36°C) attracted more use, highlighting OTC's temporal primacy. Originality/value This study integrates spatiotemporal thermal analysis with Space Syntax to explain CUL in a semi-arid Algerian context. It demonstrates that thermal stress consistently outweighs spatial configuration in shaping CUL, challenging static design assumptions. The findings offer clear guidance for climate-responsive, child-centred urban planning in thermally stressed environments.