As summer temperatures continue to rise and urban heat islands experience the intensifying effects of the climate crisis, resilient cooling solutions are critical to ensuring cities remain livable and their residents safe. Urban areas with sparse tree canopies and large expanses of asphalt or other heat-retaining surfaces pose significant risks, disproportionately impacting low-income and underserved communities.
This toolkit is designed to help community leaders, mission-driven nonprofits, and city governments implement equitable cooling strategies for those most affected by climate change. By addressing site-specific conditions and leveraging existing infrastructure, this guide provides practical solutions and inspiration for creating cooling interventions that activate and enhance urban spaces.
About Resilient Cities Network
Resilient Cities Network is the world’s leading urban resilience network. It brings together global knowledge, practice, partnerships, and funding to empower its members to build safe and equitable cities for all. Its unique city-led approach ensures cities drive the agenda to benefit the communities they serve. At work in over 100 cities worldwide, the Resilient Cities Network supports on-the-ground projects and solutions to build climate resilient, circular and equitable cities while also facilitating connections and information-sharing between communities and local leaders.
More information can be found here: https://resilientcitiesnetwork.org/
About Architecture for Public Benefit
Architecture for Public Benefit is a mission-driven practice committed to making good design accessible to all. We
partner with nonprofits and community organizations to create environments that reflect the needs and aspirations of the
people they serve. Guided by a collaborative process, we use design to advance equity, strengthen communities, and create spaces that foster belonging. In addition to architectural services, we love to create clear, easy-to-understand resources that build community agency and share design knowledge with a broad public.