Extreme Weather: A Growing Concern
Extreme weather is no longer uncommon and affects the entire globe. Whether it’s heavy rain or heat, floods or drought, the impact is felt worldwide. Scientists have reported that Europe, which is experiencing the fastest human-caused climate change, counted over 60,000 excess deaths in 2022. In 2023, there were over 47,000 deaths related to heat, with most of the victims having underlying health conditions that were exacerbated by the hot temperatures.
The Role of Architects and Urban Planners
Architects and urban planners can no longer ignore these numbers. According to Carlo Ratti, curator of the 19th Biennale of Venice Architecture, "In order to address a burning world, architecture has to use full intelligence around us." Ratti emphasizes that the approach to building must adapt to the changing environment. The theme of the Biennale, "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective," invites different types of intelligence to rethink the built environment.
Sealed Cities Heat Up
The greatest concern is the overheating of urban areas, which is caused by the fact that cities are strongly sealed and covered by concrete and asphalt surfaces. There are too few trees to offer shade and cool them, resulting in heat islands and overheating. In heavy rain, sealed surfaces prevent water from seeping into the ground, causing sewage systems to collapse. This creates a vicious circle.
Solutions and Examples
So, what can be done? Peter Cachola Schmal, director of the German Architecture Museum in Frankfurt, says, "The problems are known, solutions have been on the table for a long time, but we are missing. We are too slow!" Schmal cites the example of Paul-Arnsberg-Platz in Frankfurt, which was once known for its oven-like climate but has since been redesigned and rebuilt with flower beds and young trees. The city of Frankfurt calls it an "urgently needed climate adjustment."
The Paris Transport Revolution
Paris, which suffered a high number of deaths due to heat, is considered a model for climate adjustment. Mayor Anne Hidalgo implemented a radical transport revolution, reducing traffic in the city center, tripling parking fees for SUVs, and transforming parking spaces into breathable green spaces. Hidalgo’s green push has been emulated throughout Europe.
Climate-Friendly Construction
Climate-friendly construction has long been a topic of museum exhibitions. The German Architecture Museum in Frankfurt will present a series of successful projects as part of the exhibition "Architecture and Energy: Structure in Times of Climate Change." Curator Elisabeth Endres demands a global "baurevolution," emphasizing that cities that have prepared well will emerge from this challenge, while others will not.
A Call to Action
The message seems to have already reached many people. Climate activists of all ages have taken up urban agriculture, cultivating traffic islands and other green spaces to grow fruit and vegetables. Signs for Berlin’s city trees invite citizens to contribute to climate protection. The impulse for change will come automatically, says Endres, as the effects of global warming will be felt by everyone. Measures must be taken quickly to prevent European cities from becoming uninhabitable in a few decades.
