Adelaide is experiencing more heat stress than ever before. The rate of days with maximum temperature above 35°C increases from 15.3% in 30-year average to 18.3% in 3-years average in Adelaide. Citizens’ preferences of public space elements and supportive features during heat stress conditions were under particular focus in this paper.

Frequency and typology of outdoor activities were observed and urban microclimate parameters were recorded in selected public spaces of Adelaide from February 2013 to April 2014. Data is analyzed to investigate outdoor preferences of the local community of Adelaide in different outdoor thermal environments (hot, warm, neutral and cool). Results are triangulated with post-activity questionnaire survey of outdoor activities in Adelaide (N=267). This aims to explore what spatial features and supportive facilities can increase adaptation capacity of public spaces to the warming climate.        

Results indicate that necessary, optional and social activities decreased during outdoor heat stress more than any other thermal conditions. Outdoor activities were chosen the most in neutral and warm thermal environments. Outdoor activity choices were affected significantly by the urban microclimate parameter of solar radiation. Tree canopy, shading (from buildings or temporary elements) and water features were the most attractive public space features for outdoor participants during heat stress conditions in Adelaide. Meanwhile, essential shopping and dining facilities and social events affect citizens’ outdoor activity choices during heat stress conditions. Thus, increased green infrastructures and supportive land uses are a prerequisite of urban transformation for climate change adaptation.