Assessing Climate Adaptiveness of Public Squares in Low-Income Urban Areas: A Case Study in Rotterdam

Abstract

Public squares are vital components of urban environments, serving as spaces for recreation, social interaction, play, and exercise. However, in densely populated, low-income neighborhoods with limited green spaces, these squares often lack adaptive capacity, limiting their functionality during extreme weather events such as heavy rain or heatwaves. Currently, there are no tools available to assess or quantify the climate adaptation levels of public squares, making it challenging to evaluate their preparedness for climate change.

This study introduces a novel, hands-on method to quantify the climate adaptation of public squares. Initially, the most significant climate factors were identified, and for each factor, a quantifiable characteristic was determined. These characteristics were then translated into measurable parameters. Required information for each parameter, such as types of ground cover and green infrastructure present, was established. Field visits were conducted to assess the existing elements in each square.

A calculation model was developed, incorporating all physical elements present in the squares with different weighting factors. The method was tested in the Hillesluis district in Rotterdam, where 17 public squares were evaluated. An overall value between 0 and 1 was established for each square based on the presence of shade, albedo, runoff, and infiltration potential. The results indicated significant variability, with some squares scoring as low as 0.28 due to a lack of shade and infiltration capacity, while others scored as high as 1.3 due to the abundance of trees and green infrastructure.

This method provides a valuable tool for assessing and enhancing the climate adaptiveness of public squares, contributing to more resilient urban environments.