Cool and healthy urban environments: A preliminary exploration of emergent issues in public open spaces

Silvia G. Tavares; Olivia Herrmann; Christhina Candido; Kelen Dornelles; Jie Feng

doi:10.65388/LWGP1023

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Cool and healthy urban environments: A preliminary exploration of emergent issues in public open spaces

Conference paper

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Cool and healthy urban environments: A preliminary exploration of emergent issues in public open spaces

Silvia G. Tavares, Olivia Herrmann, Christhina Candido, Kelen Dornelles and Jie Feng

Proceedings of the 58ᵗʰ International Conference of the Architectural Science Association 2025, pp.280-289

International Conference of the Architectural Science Association (ASA), 58th (Melbourne, Australia, 03-Dec-2025–05-Dec-2025)

Architectural Science Association

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65388/LWGP1023

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Abstract

climate awareness

Cool materials

urban climate

urban heat island

The economic burden of urban heat is already comparable to that of chronic health, with heat related productivity losses already amounting to almost $8 billion a year. To address this issue the use of cool materials and coatings can reduce surface temperatures and cool down our urban environments improving their urban climate. This preliminary study aimed to explore built environment professionals’ knowledge of available design and planning strategies conducive to urban cooling and, in particular, their perception of the use of cool materials and coatings in public open spaces. Semi-structured interviews were conducted (n=8) with architects, landscape architects and urban designers, facilitating discussion on the opportunities and barriers of urban cooling strategies. The results demonstrate a wide variation in awareness of available heat mitigation strategies, with a priority on the use of vegetation for shade, and the need for training programs leading into enabling the adoption of new technologies related to cool materials, both from manufacturers and end users. Establishing clear performance standards is essential, and policy and governance changes are also necessary to properly account for the benefits of cool materials and to standardize their application. Research outcomes also emphasise the need for careful consideration of related emergent issues when addressing heat in urban environments and translating architecture-based strategies into urban design. Findings intend to inform urban design and planning policy to achieve high performance climate-sensitive public open spaces.

Details

Title: Cool and healthy urban environments: A preliminary exploration of emergent issues in public open spaces
Authors: Silvia G. Tavares (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Olivia Herrmann - University of the Sunshine Coast
Christhina Candido - The University of Melbourne
Kelen Dornelles - Universidade de São Paulo
Jie Feng - The University of Melbourne
Contributors: Robert Crawford (Editor) - The University of Melbourne
André Stephan (Editor) - The University of Melbourne
Christhina Candido (Editor) - The University of Melbourne
James Helal (Editor) - The University of Melbourne
Praddeep Gobinath (Editor) - The University of Melbourne
Publication details: Proceedings of the 58ᵗʰ International Conference of the Architectural Science Association 2025, pp.280-289
Conference details: International Conference of the Architectural Science Association (ASA), 58th (Melbourne, Australia, 03-Dec-2025–05-Dec-2025)
Publisher: Architectural Science Association
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.65388/LWGP1023; 10.6084/m9.figshare.30860417
ISSN: 2209-3850
Organisation Unit: Bioclimatic and Sociotechnical Cities Lab; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991229281002621
Output Type: Conference paper

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