Building to beat the heat
On World Design Day, a look at the integration of kindness-centric designs that emphasise the fusion of shade, rest, and water as essential elements for extreme summers
arious urban elements, from construction materials to transportation fuels, create ‘hot’ cities, amplifying temperatures by several degrees compared to rural areas. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of a scorching summer this year with more than the usual number of heatwave days. Some places are likely to face maximum temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius. In response, eective strategies for heat management are imperative, necessitating a multifaceted approach encompassing sustainable urban planning, infrastructure
Vdevelopment, and public engagement. One crucial aspect gaining traction is the integration of kindness-centric designs aimed at cooling our cities and prioritising human and well-being.
As the scorching summer heat has become an ever-present challenge in most Indian comfort metropolitan cities, the urgency to design user-centric designs for heat resilience has never been greater. Modern strategies such as green infrastructure, (Below) Bus Rapid Transit system in Curitiba, Brazil. building regulations, water management, public transportation and sustainable design practices are pivotal in reshaping our cities into oases of comfort and well-being. We can forge cooler environments that prioritise users’ comfort and satisfaction by drawing inspiration from our traditional practices and merging these with contemporary strategies.
Vertical gardens
Green infrastructure emerges as a powerful tool in combating urban heat islands, creating cooler microclimates, and fostering communities. Planting trees along the streets and integrating green-blue corridors within urban planning are tangible steps towards this goal. These initiatives mitigate urban heat and cultivate a sense of community and harmony with nature. Allocating budgets for urban schemes and enhancing technical expertise in local governance is vital for implementing eective climate strategies.
An example is Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, a vast green space integrated with sustainable technology to cool the surrounding area. The Gardens by the Bay features Supertrees, towering vertical gardens that provide shade, harness solar energy, and collect rainwater, showcasing an innovative approach to combating heat while promoting biodiversity and creating a powerful social node.
Waterbodies act as natural heat sinks, while contributing significantly to groundwater replenishment. In India, the tradition of baolis, ancient stepwells, oers a timeless solution for summer relief. These architectural wonders not only recharge groundwater but also provide natural cooling during summers, showcasing a sustainable approach deeply ingrained in Indian heritage. Additionally, serving as social centres, baolis historically brought communities together, fostering connections and providing respite from the heat in more ways than one. Through rainwater harvesting, the creation of artificial ponds, and the rejuvenation of existing waterbodies, we can help create cooling zones within neighbourhoods.
The allocation of surface area for built zones and open spaces should be based on the water’s percolation potential, aiming to maximise local water conservation e orts