Zhixin Liu

Dr Zhixin Liu is a Lecturer in Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield’s School of Architecture and Landscape, starting in 2024. Previously she was a Research Assistant Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Postdoctoral Fellow at CUHK’s Institute of Future Cities, with a visiting scholar period at Texas A&M University.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Building Environment and Energy Laboratory, South China University of Technology

Research Focus:
Dr Liu has been advancing urban microclimate research since 2013, specialising in the thermal and human-biometeorological effects of urban greening. Her interdisciplinary work integrates field observations, numerical simulation and policy analysis to translate scientific evidence into practical strategies for climate-responsive landscape design and planning. Core themes include urban microclimate regulation, thermal comfort and health impacts of green infrastructure, and evidence-based design optimisation for subtropical high-density cities.

Publication Trends:
Across more than twenty peer-reviewed articles, her scholarship spans three key trajectories: (1) methodological refinement of microclimatic simulations (ENVI-met, COMFA, RayMan), (2) empirical assessment of urban trees, green roofs and façades for heat mitigation, and (3) policy-oriented reviews on green infrastructure implementation in international contexts.

Awards & Recognition:

• Excellence in Reviewing (2023) – Urban Climate
• Winner, Future Building Category, “Advancing Net Zero” Ideas Competition, Hong Kong Green Building Council (2021)

Grants & Collaboration:

• Co-Investigator, “Study on the long-term impact of green space on urban local climate and building energy consumption in hot and humid areas” (2023–2025), Guangdong Province Science & Technology Planning Project
• Principal Recipient, Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Innovation Fund (2018–2019), South China University of Technology

Teaching & Supervision:
She leads and contributes to modules such as Presentation, Communication and Research Skills, Advanced Landscape Research, Final Landscape Project, and Advanced Landscape Planning – Global Issues. She actively seeks master’s and PhD students interested in multi-scale urban climate studies, evidence-based blue-green infrastructure design, and outdoor thermal comfort for vulnerable populations.

Professional Service & Editorial Roles:
Dr Liu serves as Associate Editor for Urban Climate and Guest Editor for Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, and reviews for leading journals including Nature Communications and Building and Environment. She is also the primary editor of the forthcoming Springer book Urban Greenery and Microclimate: Experience from Subtropical High-density Cities.