Temperature sensitive surface to minimize the urban heat island effect

Abstract

This paper presents a project that aims to reduce the urban heat island effect (UHI) through the design of temperature-sensitive surfaces which respond to changing heat conditions. The design process begins with the identification of the solutions generated up to the date in technical aspects, and from the creative field, to subsequently make a morphologic and material exploration, for the purpose of generating a prototype surface. Digital and physical prototypes generated and fabricated from this process were subjected to superficial temperature tests to probe their reaction capacity to respond to these changes. Experiments were conducted having concrete as a base material, which was modified with natural pigments and smart materials, thermochromic pigments, intending to identify variation on surface thermal capacity and reflectance. The observed results could be favorable in the purpose of impacting superficial temperature variations. The obtained Results show that the surfaces can be manipulated to be turned into elements that respond to the environment, in this case with the material, chromic, and morphologic modifications. Sensitive surfaces have the potential to contribute to reduce surface temperature by becoming constant elements in small- or large-scale design, allowing the creation of a resilient urban environment in the face of adverse environmental conditions.