Biophilic street design for urban heat resilience

Abstract

Cities are facing urban heat problems which have significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. Environmental deterioration is another challenge threatening cities. To avoid hazardous environmental exposure, citizens increase the reliance on indoor space while this causes an emerging challenge to human health and wellbeing. Addressing more than one challenge in an urban context is essential. Preparing for an increasingly hot era is urgent for both developing and developed nations to mitigate negative consequences, and there is a need of biophilic design to integrate humans and nature. However, few studies have explored the integration of heat–resilient design and biophilic design. This study aims to address this gap by developing a framework for heat–resilient biophilic street (HERBST) design, where the street is highlighted for its key role in public activity. This study delineates biophilic theory and outlines biophilic street design elements, activities, attitudes and knowledge, and institutions and governance based on literature review. Afterwards, this study analyses heat–resilient street design in terms of design goals, implementation pathways, and issues addressed to clarify the potential of integrating biophilic street design and heat–resilient street design. Furthermore, this study reveals the relevance and complementarity between the two and defines the HERBST framework. In particular, the HERBST framework aims to reduce heat stress for pedestrians, increase the time people spend outdoors, increase social interaction, and alleviate heat-related physical and mental health problems while strengthening the connection between people and nature. The technical pathway of the HERBST framework is categorized into heat mitigation, adaptation, and management. Heat mitigation includes measures for transport planning, road facilities, building facades, and pocket parks; heat adaptation is linked to lifestyles, multi-sensory experiences, mental health, and social connectivity; and heat management is linked to governance systems, economic structures, and advocacy and education. The HERBST framework implementation is elucidated through site analysis, goal setting, planning and design, implementation, maintenance and management, and post-occupancy evaluation. Finally, this study discusses the research, design, cognitive, social, cultural, institutional, regulatory, and economic barriers associated with HERBST and provides recommendations. Overall, this study presents an innovative, coordinated, and implementable solution to urban extreme heat and environmental deterioration.