Are We Living Right in Our Cities?
Our cities are facing huge climate challenges. In order for positive climate development in cities to succeed, however, we humans must also rethink and adapt our lifestyles and behaviour. We present ideas and concrete measures.
Prof Matthias Rudolph, Professor of Building Technology and Climate-Friendly Design in the Department of Architecture at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design, focuses on micro-strategies. Here is the lecture in the YouTube video:
Video lecture: Transformation is the answer, but what was the question?
Paul Eldag (Head of Building Land Development, Niedersächsische Landgesellschaft mbH) Rolf Messerschmidt (architect and urban planner at Eble Messerschmidt PartGmbB) and Gerhard Hauber (Managing Partner at Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl Überlingen), together with Wissensstiftung Board Member Dr Christine Lemaitre, take a look at the climate as a whole. The panel asks: "How do we have to change our lives and our behaviour so that our cities remain places worth living in?" Watch the discussion on YouTube (in German):
Background knowledge
It is getting warmer and warmer in our cities. Even if they will always remain geographically in the same place, they are moving climatically into ever warmer areas. So our cities are where they are, and we need solutions for them.
Cool spots - more quality of stay in the space in between
This is where the research project "Convertible Urban Shades – Mikroklimastrategien zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel" comes in. The idea behind it is to shade the street space during the day in summer and then open it up at night, thereby contributing to more efficient cooling of the city.
The idea is not new; localised shading is traditionally widespread in southern countries in particular. What is new, however, are the materials used to realise the shading. There are low-tech solutions such as textile structures and high-tech solutions such as convertible membrane roofs that can be customised as required. In addition to the procurement of materials and their resistance to extreme weather conditions, issues such as cleaning and maintenance must also be taken into account during planning.
Benefits of targeted localised shading
Localised shading creates liveable spaces in cities where residents and visitors can spend time during extreme heat. In addition to textile shading, trees are also a sensible individual measure. Not only do they provide shade, their foliage also creates a much more pleasant surface temperature.
"Trees and textile shading can be realised in individual places and are specifically good for the microclimate. We create cool spots in the city that make it possible for all residents to participate in urban life."
Extreme heat - extreme cold: as soon as we are personally affected by extremes, they become the focus of our attention. And then? We react with quick, but not necessarily sustainable solutions. We need to change that!
The subjective perception of shading projects must be taken into account, which is assessed differently depending on the season - during a heatwave, we are more willing to think about appropriate measures and accept these proposals than in winter. It goes without saying that the residential environment must be taken into account in urban measures. According to Paul Eldag, Head of Building Land Development, Niedersächsische Landgesellschaft mbH, and participant in the panel discussion "How should we live tomorrow?" presented in the video, it plays a role whether you are working in an urban or municipal environment: "Communication with all those involved is a key factor in the success or failure of climatic adaptations in the outdoor space."
Microclimate strategies are important. However, a fundamental change in the urban climate cannot be achieved through targeted individual measures alone. Comprehensive concepts and behavioural changes are required.
Rethinking water
Long periods of heat and drought alternating with heavy rainfall - the rapid climatic changes demand complex and comprehensive strategic solutions from cities and municipalities. One of the fields of action to mitigate the consequences is the transformation of cities into so-called sponge cities. "Sponge cities are feasible in our infrastructures, but they come with many challenges," emphasises Rolf Messerschmidt, architect and urban planner at Eble Messerschmidt PartGmbB. "We have to redefine spaces, think carefully about where trees and plants are really a good solution and how we can integrate the buildings that have already been built into these measures," says Rolf Messerschmidt about other fields of action. Above all, dealing with the issue of water is essential. "Issues such as grey water recycling and, above all, a new water cycle must become the focus of these considerations."
For this reason, Gerhard Hauber is calling for the integration of an overall hydraulic analysis right from the start of planning. Because when we need water, it is often not available in the required quantities, keyword rainwater. The Managing Partner at Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl, Überlingen, relies on grey water: it is always available and enables more resilient water cycles. For Hauber, low-water plants, i.e. plants that manage without artificial irrigation, are another logical goal. "But that's not so easy to achieve. Especially in cities, plants are confronted with extreme requirements such as soil conditions or pollutants from exhaust fumes. In addition, plants and trees often don't have time to develop in peace".
How do we want to live tomorrow?
"Many of the measures that we are already tackling today or will tackle in the future will ultimately result in sustainability," summarizes Paul Edlag and emphasizes: "We need to gain acceptance when it comes to climate adaptation in municipalities and cities. Citizens are demanding more, want more and that is an important step".
Communication and participation are the key to urban redevelopment, as Rolf Messerschmidt also emphasizes. "There needs to be more awareness of the issue of climate, not just when it is acute, because then only quick solutions are created, but not sustainable ones."
Do you already know our knowledge nugget "Action Plan for Energy Savings"? It provides local authorities and municipalities with checklists of potential savings in the areas of electricity, heat and mobility that can be realised in the short to medium term.
Conclusion
What needs to change? Municipalities and cities must focus on the topics of climate neutrality and climate adaptation all year round and involve citizens in important steps. The city of Copenhagen has shown how this can be done. The DGNB's "Climate-positive cities and municipalities" initiative, which stands for sustainability in practice, concrete climate protection and a better quality of life in municipalities, provides assistance here.
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