Population growth has led to increased pressure on available urban sport facilities. As a result, natural grass fields are converted to artificial turf, to facilitate intensive use. Downsides of these artificial turf fields are decreased infiltration of rain and increased surface temperatures. Artificial turf can reach very high surface temperatures leading to unplayable conditions and health risks. In this study, a system to store precipitation below the fields and to enable evaporation to cool artificial turf was tested. The system consists of water-storing units below the field, a capillary shockpad that enables water transport to the artificial turf and a natural infill from where water can evaporate. We created test sites to quantify the effects on surface temperature and evaporation of the system, with natural grass, conventional artificial turf and the novel cooled artificial turf. During summer days with a maximum air temperature around 30°C, surface temperature reached 37°C at the cooled artificial grass, whereas it reached 62.5°C at conventional artificial turf. The measured surface temperature for the cooled turf was less than 2°C warmer than the surface temperature at the natural grass site (35.3°C). Evaporation from the cooled artificial turf reached maximum values around 4 mm/d during the summer, equal to about half of the evaporation from natural grass. These results show that the system is successful in lowering the surface temperatures by evaporation. This reduction in surface temperature is important to maintain playable conditions. In addition, the water storage below the fields reduces peak discharges during high-intensity precipitation. In addition to the above, we present novel research on measures to improve durability of natural turf, which is still to be preferred, and research on the effects on grass growth of energy abstraction by a shallow soil energy system for heating pavilions.

How to cite: Cirkel, D. G., Van Huijgevoort, M., and Voeten, J.: Climate proof playing conditions on urban soccer fields , 12th International Conference on Urban Climate, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 7–11 Jul 2025, ICUC12-456, https://doi.org/10.5194/icuc12-456, 2025.

1. Introduction

‘Walkable city’ is a concept for urban design that prioritizes pedestrians and is becoming popular in Japan. This walkability is influenced by the characteristics of the built environment, microclimate, and so on. Because occupant comfort is an influential factor for outdoor usage despite warming climates during summer, in the present study, we focus on the relationship between the human thermal environment and human flow to improve occupant experience.  

2. Methodology

To analyze this relationship, we conducted field measurements using human participants (10 participants for every season) in different locations in real urban streets throughout the year. Human flow was simultaneously obtained using a mobile location data. To quantify the human thermal environment, the human thermal load was calculated based on measurements. Solar and infrared radiation, air temperature and relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and participants’ skin temperature and activity level were recorded at 1-min intervals. Perceptions such as thermal sensation and comfort were also recorded at 5-min intervals. The human thermal load is considered to be an indicator of a human’s physical state. This pilot study was conducted in Toyohashi, Japan, in cooperation with the city government.

3. Results and summary

We successfully quantified both the human thermal environment and the human flow. Generally, there is no clear relationship between them in the scatter plot because many factors other than thermal comfort affect travel routes. However, the area that needs to be thermally improved becomes clear, for example, a street with high pedestrian traffic and a poor thermal environment. Additional analyses depending on the season and time period were also conducted; thus, we can obtain a future direction for a walkable city in Toyohashi.

How to cite: Shimazaki, Y. and Ito, T.: Analyzing the relationship between human thermal environment and human flow toward a walkable city, 12th International Conference on Urban Climate, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 7–11 Jul 2025, ICUC12-538, https://doi.org/10.5194/icuc12-538, 2025.

Monitoring abundance and species richness is essential to determine biodiversity trends in cities. Monitoring data is essential for developing effective policies to protect and restore urban ecosystems. In addition to traditional monitoring methods, innovative tools are being used to increase the efficiency and deepness of biodiversity assessments. One of these methods is environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. In this project eDNA was used to identify and characterize the arthropods (namely insect) species presence on 3 different green roofs and their surroundings. The main goal of the study was to (1) establish a comprehensive arthropods biodiversity baseline for each infrastructure (green roof and its surrounding), (2) to compare the biodiversity metrics between urban infrastructure of three different green roofs (Peperklip, De Doelen, Hofbogen), the effect of vertical zones (surroundings vs. roof) and season (Spring vs. Autumn) and, (3) to correlate pollinator biodiversity with available flowering plant food sources.  

The key findings are: eDNA of 454 genus/species were identified across the three different locations (both arthropods &vertebrates). Arthropods comprised the vast majority of detections (93%, N=422 genus/species), while vertebrates accounted for 7% (N=32 genus/species). The study highlighted a broad taxonomic diversity of 21 different groups, ranging from crawling to flying insects and aquatic arthropods.

For invertebrates, the areas surrounding the roofs had a slightly higher number of species in autumn, while the roofs harboured marginally higher numbers of insects in spring. De Doelen and De Hofbogen roofs, displayed a greater number of unique arthropod species in spring compared to autumn (SGS, 2024).  

Coupled with other monitoring tools, molecular tools such as eDNA seem to be a promising method. This pilot is a good start for achieving results with this method, though more research is needed to draw more solid conclusions. Then results can be used to improve the design of biodiverse green roofs. 

How to cite: Gout, M., van Roosmalen, P., and Pardal, S.: Using environmental DNA(eDNA) for monitoring biodiversity on green roofs – a pilot study in the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands(2025), 12th International Conference on Urban Climate, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 7–11 Jul 2025, ICUC12-1024, https://doi.org/10.5194/icuc12-1024, 2025.

Climate change is reshaping urban systems, affecting buildings, infrastructure, natural systems, people and businesses while cities, in turn, drive climate change through high energy consumption and gas emissions (GHG) emissions from buildings, energy production, waste management, and transportation. Urban design is crucial for integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, yet existing environmental assessment frameworks and rating systems often address them separately, overlooking site-specific vulnerabilities and emission drivers.

The proposed Integrated Urban Design Adaptation and Mitigation Assessment (IUDAMA) framework fills this gap by incorporating quantitative and qualitative Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to quantify built environment (BE) vulnerabilities and emission sources. These KPIs aim to guide designers in assessing and integrating adequate climate-responsive measures, supporting informed decision-making for resilient and low-carbon urban development. This has been applied to real case studies of master planning that focus on high-density mixed-use regeneration projects and high-rise mixed-use development in in different Local Climate Zones (LCZ) in order to evaluate climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in design scenarios for urban regeneration and new urban developments.

The results suggest that KPIs that include multiple scales and risks are able to effectively assess the BEs capacity to simultaneously adapt and mitigate climate change. These KPIs should be prioritized throughout optioneering studies during planning, and the design stages. Massing, siting and orientation, as well as green, blue and grey solutions for buildings and open spaces, should be at the center of urban planning and design. These solutions future proof our cities and related assets, not only by limiting the risks from a changing climate and by reducing the GHG emissions but also by unlocking spaces for everyone for decades to come.

How to cite: Ricciardi, G., Callegari, G., Leone, M. F., Donato, M., Sessa, V., Paton, C., and Naboni, E.: Integrated framework for urban design adaptation and mitigation assessment (IUDAMA), 12th International Conference on Urban Climate, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 7–11 Jul 2025, ICUC12-936, https://doi.org/10.5194/icuc12-936, 2025.

The ARIA project exemplifies urban regeneration by transforming an industrial site in northern Italy into a sustainable work environment and inclusive public space. Central to the redevelopment is the application of microclimate modeling, which guided design decisions to optimise thermal comfort and air quality. Compared to the current situation, the regeneration project demonstrates a reduction in air temperature by up to 1.5°C and mean radiant temperatures by up to 30°C during peak summer hours, significantly mitigating the urban heat island effect in the area.

The use of microclimate modelling was embedded within the design process, not as a final assessment but rather as a reiterative reference, allowing the project team to adopt design strategies in response to specific environmental conditions. The method promoted a collaborative environment among architects, landscapers, and environmental scientists, ensuring the development of data-driven and context-specific integrated solutions.

Among the different design strategies applied, material reuse is a key component, with the project utilizing bio-based, carbon-negative materials to reduce the environmental impact. The regeneration also incorporates extensive tree canopies, selected for their ability to improve air quality and reduce pollutant loads.

The project shows a practical methodology for integrating scientific research into urban design practices by detailing specific climate-responsive strategies and their quantifiable impacts. It highlights the importance of using empirical data to inform spatial decisions and boost functional and sustainable urban project implementation. This initiative not only has the potential to revitalize a significant area of the city but also sets a precedent for future urban regeneration projects worldwide, emphasizing the necessity of climate-responsive design and the profound impact of climate research on architectural practices.

How to cite: Roy Torrecilla, M. M., Deinega, M., Rau, T. M., and Garofalo, F.:  Transforming Urban Microclimates through Design: the ARIA regeneration project., 12th International Conference on Urban Climate, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 7–11 Jul 2025, ICUC12-962, https://doi.org/10.5194/icuc12-962, 2025.

Over the past twenty years, Powerhouse Company has been consistently pioneering in sustainable architecture. Namely, the Floating Office Rotterdam (FOR), the world’s largest floating office, is one of their projects that showcases their commitment to climate resilience and innovation. Located in Rotterdam's Rijnhaven, FOR serves as a climate-adaptive workspace for the Global Center on Adaptation and Powerhouse Company itself. Besides being energy-positive and CO2-negative, the building is designed to float if water levels rise due to climate change, making it a truly forward-thinking response to urban climate challenges. Along the way, it has received BREEAM Outstanding certification and has been recognized by several international architectural platforms and awards for its design and sustainability.

Additionally, the Marga Klompé Building is another remarkable project, as it's Europe’s first academic building constructed entirely from solid wood. Completed in 2024 at Tilburg University, this building highlights the potential of sustainable materials to create a climate-resilient, inspiring environment. The design emphasizes energy efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint without making any aesthetic compromises, which has granted it more than five awards, including the School Building of the Year 2024 by Architectenweb.

These projects offer valuable lessons on how urban environments can embrace sustainability while addressing the urgent challenges of climate change.

How to cite: Prins, S.: Resilient architecture for a changing climate, 12th International Conference on Urban Climate, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 7–11 Jul 2025, ICUC12-880, https://doi.org/10.5194/icuc12-880, 2025.

In order to adapt to climate change, cities are studying various urban cooling techniques to improve pedestrian thermal comfort of users during heatwaves including urban greening and cool materials. One technique being considered by the City of Paris is cool pavements. To this aim, an experimental test site has been constructed and instrumented to study the thermal and climatic behavior of candidate sidewalk structures.

The experimental demonstrator is located in Bonneuil-sur-Marne near Paris, France. This experimental device consists of 16 samples of various sidewalk structures. Each sample is approximately 4x4m accros by 25cm deep and is composed of several layers following real-world conditions. The samples are instrumented with temperature and heat flow sensors at several depths, with the data recorded every 5 minutes. Additional weather measurements are also conducted onsite to monitor air temperature and humidity, global horizontal short- and longwave irradiance as well as wind speed and direction.

This communication focuses on data collected during a four-day heatwave during summer 2022. Measurement data from each structure is analyzed with the aim of evaluating their contribution to pedestrian heat stress urban climate in terms of convection and radiosity during the day, in the evening and late at night. This requires calculating to convective heat exchange coefficient over time in order to properly distinguish daytime, evening and nighttime. Finally, the cumulative effects of the series of hot days are also analyzed.

The implications of these analyses on pavement structure selection for cities aiming to adapt to heat waves is discussed.

How to cite: Abboud, C., Parison, S., Filaine, F., Hendel, M., and Royon, L.: Contribution of different pavements to pedestrian heat stress under heatwave conditions, 12th International Conference on Urban Climate, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 7–11 Jul 2025, ICUC12-842, https://doi.org/10.5194/icuc12-842, 2025.