Scientifically speaking, “urban shade” is an ill-defined concept. While it is commonly thought of as the interception of direct solar radiation by some solid element above the urban terrain, we still lack widely accepted methods for quantifying and evaluating the quality of its presence in urban settings. To what extent does shade quality decline when shading elements allow some penetration of sunlight? How much solar blocking is required to create well-shaded conditions? Is there a qualitative difference between the shade of trees and non-vegetative canopies? How much shade do we need in an urban setting, and what area should it cover? When calculating the availability of shade, what is the most important time period to consider and design for? In recent years, as concerns over urban heat have been growing, much attention has been shifting from the general concept of urban heat island mitigation to the specific issue of pedestrian heat stress reduction. Shade has thus emerged as the most effective method to significantly reduce thermal stress under hot daytime weather conditions, not only because of the significant contribution of solar radiation to heat stress but also because the provision of shade, unlike other climatic factors, totally relies on design decisions. Nevertheless, this belated interest has only exposed the many blind spots and uncharted territories that call for our attention if we want to support a more efficient and effective integration of shade into cities.

The session will, therefore, be open to contributions that relate to methods and tools for quantifying and evaluating shade and shading elements in urban areas, focusing on their potential translation into urban design practices and policies. Case studies in which such methods and tools are implemented, and in which their effectiveness is evaluated, are also welcome. Sub-topics of interest include, but are not limited to: * the quantification and evaluation of shading effects from urban trees and other vegetation, including the physiological properties and functioning of plant canopies; * the design and optimization of non-vegetative shading devices and built elements; * the impact of shade on pedestrian biophysical stress, perceived thermal sensation and climate-related behavior; * the reduction of surface and/or air temperature at micro-, meso- and city scale; and * the development of design and planning guidelines for urban shade provision.