Can we beat the heat in our cities through thoughtful design interventions?
As India’s metropolitan cities grapple with heat, rapid urbanisation, and climate change, managing ambient heat has become an urgent challenge. Urban elements such as construction materials and transportation fuels exacerbate the heat, creating “hot” cities significantly warmer than their rural counterparts. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, combining sustainable urban planning, innovative infrastructure, and public engagement. A critical strategy gaining traction is the integration of user-centric designs, which prioritise human comfort and well-being while cooling our cities.
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure emerges as a powerful tool in combating urban heat islands and creating cooler microclimates. Planting trees along the streets, implementing green roofs and integrating green-blue corridors within urban planning are tangible steps towards this goal. Trees provide natural shade, reduce heat absorption, and release moisture through transpiration, working as a potent strategy to cool surrounding areas. These initiatives mitigate the urban heat and cultivate a sense of community and harmony with nature.
Water Management
Water bodies act as natural heat sinks, significantly reducing heat and replenishing groundwater. Traditional Indian stepwells, or baolis, offer a timeless solution for summer relief. These ancient structures recharge groundwater, provide natural cooling, and serve as social centres. Modern urban planning can incorporate rainwater harvesting, artificial ponds, and rejuvenating existing water bodies to create cooling zones within neighbourhoods. Water source optimisation is one of the critical aspects at AIPL Dream City NXT in Amritsar. The surface area allotted to built zones and open spaces is determined by the percolation potential of water, maximising local water conservation.
Environmentally Conscious Building Regulations
Adopting building regulations that prioritise heat-resilient materials, natural ventilation, and shading techniques can significantly reduce building heat gain. Modern facade systems, such as sun-tracking panels and automated shading devices, can adapt to environmental conditions in real time, reducing heat absorption and enhancing indoor comfort.
For instance, at Mehra Residence in New Delhi, the facade features deep horizontal slab projections and vertical louvres that circumvent the heat from the harsh southern sun. The green roof keeps indoor temperatures cool by absorbing less heat.
Traditional Architectural Elements
Incorporating traditional elements like chajjas (projecting eaves) and jaalis (perforated screens) into modern buildings can promote natural ventilation and shade, reducing heat gain. Green roofs provide insulation and reduce stormwater runoff, further lowering indoor temperatures. Small water features at private boundaries can offer a refreshing respite and create a compassionate urban environment.
The composition of openings on the facade at one of our projects, the B-10 Residence, allows for seamless integration of the outdoor landscape with the interiors. At the same time, the deep balconies and embedded windows act as overhangs and limit excessive heat from entering the building.
Incorporating thoughtful design interventions can significantly reduce urban heat and enhance livability in our cities. By prioritising human comfort and well-being, we can create cooler, more resilient urban environments that harmonise with nature. As we face the challenges of rapid urbanisation and climate change, these strategies are not just beneficial—they are essential.
