How Cities Design Public Life in the Shade
Arts & Culture Climate Change, Energy & Pollution Engagement Parks & Public SpaceSummary
ArchDaily states that the urban environment plays a big role in how heat moves through a city, how long it remains trapped, and where it accumulates. Additionally, shade is the most effective way to cool pedestrians and relieve the built environment. The article goes on to discuss how shade is used in different cities like Los Angeles and Singapore. The urban fabric of Los Angeles primarily consists of low-rise buildings where trees and freestanding canopy structures are prioritized to provide shade. Singapore, on the other hand, is built with more density and taller buildings. As such, the public realm relies more on covered sidewalks and building overhangs. The article concludes that designing public space with shade is not just about lowering temperature, but providing more comfort and resilience.