Handling the Heat Part 2: How Masterplanners are Designing for a Hotter Climate
Published last week, part one of the AJ's three-part mini-series explored how architects can mitigat...
In "Handling the Heat Part 2: How Masterplanners are Designing for a Hotter Climate," published on September 8, 2023, by Anna Highfield, the article delves into the strategies employed by masterplanners to combat the increasing challenges posed by overheating in urban areas, particularly in the UK.
Summary: The article discusses how architects and masterplanners are adapting their designs to address the growing problem of overheating in the UK due to climate change. It emphasizes the importance of masterplanning at a city-wide scale to create sustainable, cooler environments.
Data-Driven Approaches: Ed Baker, a masterplanner from Broadway Malyan, highlights the need for robust data modeling to mitigate extreme temperatures. Singapore's "digital twin" model serves as a valuable example for analyzing urban risks and optimizing infrastructure.
Urban Greening: Urban greening and planned shading are considered effective strategies for cooling cities. Adding vegetation can increase evaporation, reducing temperatures by up to 4.43°C. Examples include Stockholm's "smart streets" and projects in Leeds, Barking, and Croydon that prioritize green spaces and pedestrian-friendly designs.
Cool Roofs: Arup's proposal for "cool" roofs, painted with reflective white paint or fitted with solar panels, is suggested for high-risk areas in London to reduce heat absorption. Green roofs with deep soil, while challenging for retrofits, offer significant cooling benefits by absorbing heat energy.
Architectural Solutions: Anthony Brower of Gensler suggests controlling building geometry, using "umbrella" buildings for shade, and reprogramming facades to reduce overheating risks.
International Examples: The article highlights international initiatives such as Brussels' focus on green streets and Sweden's heat maps, demonstrating how other countries are tackling urban heat islands.
Community Engagement: Brower emphasizes the importance of architects and masterplanners engaging with local communities and policymakers to influence planning codes and regulations as a means to address overheating issues.
The third part of the series will explore UK building regulations and planning codes related to overheating and potential adaptations.















