Frontiers of the Future is a digital destination exploring the stories of technology, human ingenuity, and innovation – and how they impact our world.
Cool Streets, Cool Communities
Strategies for building resilience and connectivity
Perkins Eastman Architects
Extreme heat, an often overlooked effect of climate change, is an advancing danger that can make our beloved cities uninhabitable. When paired with the Urban Heat Island effect, the combination can be lethal. Aware of this looming future, Perkins Eastman has been studying innovative ways to combat climate change and the Urban Heat Island effect through achievable and sustainable solutions. We have observed how the coronavirus has pushed public agencies to recognize the importance of accessible outdoor space, and are taking note of the overwhelming support for street closures, outdoor seating, bike infrastructure, and increased demand for public parks and plazas. With this new attention, we believe metropolitan cities are ripe for what we call “cool communities”.
