Rethinking Public Spaces in a Warming Climate
With Australia’s urban density projected to increase 22% by 2030, more people are now living in apartments and smaller homes without access to a traditional backyard. This has increased reliance on public parks as essential outdoor spaces. For many, these areas serve as extension of their homes. However, as urban density rises so do environmental and climate pressures including the urban heat island (UHI) effect - where concrete and asphalt trap heat, making built-up areas significantly hotter than surrounding regions.
Addressing this requires a shift in park design, integrating cooling strategies that enhance comfort, manage water, and support biodiversity all while catering to the evolving needs and changing social dynamics of our communities.
Maximising Green Cover
Urban greenery is a natural air conditioner, with tree canopies reducing ground temperatures by up to 5°C which significantly improves thermal comfort. Strategic tree planting, particularly with fast-growing, drought-resistant native species, is critical in heat-prone areas.
Melbourne’s urban greening initiatives, for example, have increased canopy cover in high-heat suburbs, mitigating UHI effects and improving liveability. Commencing in 2012, Melbourne’s Urban Forest Strategy aims to raise urban tree canopy cover from 22% to 40% by 2040. By involving residents of the community in tree planting and stewardship programs, the city has enhanced biodiversity by planting a mix of native and exotic species to ensure resilience against pests, diseases and climate change.
Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
With urban expansion and the subsequent increase of impermeable surfaces, managing stormwater effectively is key to reducing flooding risks and serves to cool the environment. Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) integrates the urban water cycle into city planning and design. Key strategies include:
- Rain Gardens and Bio-Swales: Capturing and filtering stormwater, reducing runoff by up to 90% and acting as means to cool urban spaces.
- Permeable Surfaces: Replacing impermeable pavements with porous materials such as gravel and grass pavers that allow water infiltration, reduce flash floods and replenish groundwater. Cities such as Copenhagen and Singapore have integrated these same strategies into their urban infrastructure design with positive outcomes.
- Green Roofs and Walls: Vegetated surfaces that insulate buildings, reduce energy demand, and absorb stormwater.
Fortunately, Australia has been at the forefront of implementing WSUD principles. One Central Park in Sydney is a fantastic example. Completed in 2013, this project incorporated over 1,200 sqm of vertical gardens (which at the time, became the world’s tallest vertical hanging garden), developed a sky garden which provided greenspace for residents and established an internal water recycling plant which serviced approximately 4,000 residents and over 15,00 daily visitors and workers. This project alone contributed to reduced energy consumption and enhanced urban biodiversity.
Smart Use of Shade and Shelter Structures
Built shade and shelter solutions complement natural cooling strategies by providing immediate relief from heat, especially in high-foot-traffic areas. Best practices include:
- Targeted Placement: Prioritising shade over seating areas, playgrounds, and transit hubs.
- Heat-Reflective Materials: Using ventilated and sustainable materials to reduce heat retention.
- Integration with Green Infrastructure: Combining shade structures with trees and vine plants. This also supports rewilding initiatives in urban environments to help restore habitats for insects, birds and small mammals.
The Global Food Markets in Brisbane made use of GX Outdoors semi-customisable solutions, installing shelters that make provision for vine-covered canopies. This will not only enhance green coverage to provide cooling effects, but support local wildlife.
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Low-Maintenance, Climate-Resilient Planting
Native plants require up to 80% less irrigation than exotic species, reducing water consumption while supporting biodiversity. Species like eucalyptus and kangaroo paw thrive in Australia’s climate, providing natural shade and habitat for pollinators. Cities such as Adelaide have successfully integrated native landscapes into urban parks, reducing reliance on artificial irrigation systems. Using data-driven systems to monitor tree health, soil moisture and shade coverage can also support long-term sustainability.
Large-Scale Climate Adaptation Projects
Large-scale eco-focused urban regeneration projects are also becoming more prevalent, tackling challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate adaptation, and public health. These projects emphasise integrated solutions that blend built and natural elements to create cities that are not only more liveable but also more resilient to climate extremes.
Cities worldwide are investing in mega-eco projects to future-proof their urban environments:
- New York City’s Green Infrastructure Plan invests $2.4 billion in stormwater management.
- Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay integrates cooling water features with extensive tree cover.
- Brisbane’s Green Transformation Ahead of the 2032 Olympics will see suburban wastelands transform into green, connected precincts that will improve walkability and cycling access which reduces reliance on private vehicles and also attract wildlife and boost tourism.
GX Outdoors: Supporting Urban Cooling
At GX Outdoors, we design and manufacture Australian-made outdoor solutions. Our semi-customisation options mean that you can design outdoor spaces that play a role in creating cooler, more liveable public spaces.
Explore the Global Food Markets Project highlighting how smart, sustainable design can transform a public space.
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