Exploring the potential for nature-based solutions to cool the streetscapes of dense urban areas
Exploring the potential for nature-based solutions to cool the streetscapes of dense urban areas
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There is increasing pressure on urban planners and local governments to ensure that cities become more resilient in the face of climate change. The Mediterranean region is a climate change hotspot exposed to rising temperatures and longer-lasting heatwaves. In addition, the urban heat island (UHI) effect causes cities to experience higher ambient temperatures compared to rural areas due to the dense urban fabric and anthropogenic activities. The impact of climate change, exacerbated by the UHI, poses a serious challenge for city governments in Southern Europe, requiring innovative climate adaptation strategies and urban design.
Our recently published research, in the journal Nature-based Solutions, sought to propose urban greening interventions that could be implemented in a densely built area of Malta, known as the Three Cities, shown in this aerial photograph. Due to the compact street layout of the area, particularly around the waterfront of the Grand Harbour, there is no space for large-scale urban greening interventions to provide shade to pedestrians
After analysing the current hotspots most in need of urban greening, the street morphology, and the existing plant species placed in the streetscape by local residents, three nature-based solutions are proposed that are sensitive to the built environment of the area. The three interventions are vegetated pergolas, elevated plant support structures and green façades, illustrated in the respective order below.
An ever-growing body of research is highlighting the importance of involving the community during the design and implementation phases of projects in public spaces to ensure that they meet local needs. A questionnaire was therefore conducted to explore their preferences on the design, as well as the community's willingness to participate in a potential urban greening project.
These small-scale interventions could effectively improve the thermal comfort of pedestrians by providing shade, whilst creating an opportunity for further greening activities and workshops led by a proposed neighbourhood greening forum. The topics of species selection, maintenance requirements, and funding are also acknowledged in the article as important considerations for a successful, place-based greening project. To read the full research article, kindly follow this link.
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