BCN ACTIVE SHELTER
Microinfrastructure to mitigate the effects of the climate emergency in the city
The main goal is to generate a new type of infrastructure for urban public transport stops that mitigates the effects of the climate emergency, enhances urban biodiversity, and improves citizens’ health and well-being.
Center: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
It aims to transform public space into an environmental and social micro-ecosystem, harnessing natural resources in a sustainable and circular way while fostering biodiversity. In response to heatwaves, climate shelters are proposed to improve urban comfort through temperature, humidity, and air pollution control. The project is developed in four phases: an analysis of areas vulnerable to the urban heat island effect, design using climate simulators, an experimental phase of materials and construction processes, and finally, full-scale prototyping to validate efficiency. This prototype is based on local, low-energy-impact materials, such as ceramics, to achieve efficient evaporative cooling. Beyond providing climate shelter, the infrastructure encourages the use of public transport and social interaction, improving health and social cohesion. The project is replicable in other urban areas, and the results will be compiled in a catalogue of microinfrastructures.
