CoolCo’s – Cooling corners and corridors

Europe’s rapidly rising temperatures change our cities to boiling and unliveable spaces in which vulnerable communities suffer more with devastating consequences; heat-related deaths are higher among these populations. Additionally, as most public spaces are overly dedicated to recreational or hospitality uses that target primarily wealthier groups, vulnerable social groups’ use of public space is mostly limited. The ‘cooling corner and corridor’ (referred to as CoolCo’s) project aims to open public spaces, build community and share knowledge related to heat adaptation. The project provides a unique approach of small-scale and low-cost urban design interventions and the modular, easily implemented heat adaptation solution, aims to target the most vulnerable groups: elderly people, children, pregnant women, non-native speakers of the local language and low-income households. By involving disproportionately affected communities in the design process, we are able to provide information and knowledge about their community and individual adaptation opportunities. Moreover, they contribute valuable local insights that enable positive changes to shape public space.