The planning phase officially begins for a program of interventions to make the city more resilient to the effects of climate change and ever-rising temperatures, through innovative solutions to improve the climate comfort of public spaces and reduce the phenomenon of urban heat islands. The Cagliari City Council yesterday approved the Planning Guidelines (PDF) for the project " Repaving City Streets to Combat Urban Heat Islands ," funded with €7.225 million under the Development and Cohesion Agreement.
The Plan approved by the Council identifies three interconnected interventions. The first concerns the thermal mitigation of road surfaces through the use of colored asphalt and highly reflective pavements, known as "cool pavements ."
The second involves the creation of urban shade zones through the installation of shade sails, with a pilot project in the Via Garibaldi area . This is the most interesting point.
The urban heat island effect (rock and asphalt canyons that trap the daytime sun and release it like warm air in the evening) risks driving citizens off the streets. Countering this phenomenon means protecting the community and the local economy.
The idea is to integrate natural shading and install misting systems. Shades capture sunlight and reduce its intensity before it reaches the ground. Alongside the technical awnings, plant elements and natural shading (Nature-Based Solutions) will not only help intercept solar radiation but also enrich urban biodiversity.
Finally, oases of coolness will be created using misting. To counteract the most extreme heat peaks, advanced water misting systems using microscopic droplets will be installed. Exploiting the physical principle of evaporative cooling, the water evaporates instantly, extracting heat from the surrounding air, lowering the actual ambient temperature and creating dynamic islands of coolness along the pedestrian path.
The third is dedicated to the creation of urban water resilience infrastructure. "Water ATMs" are here. These technological infrastructures serve as public hydration points and climate shelters, encouraging local water supply.
Zero at critical points. The provision of chilled water will directly counteract the heat stress of pedestrians and the most vulnerable population groups (elderly, children, tourists).
The initiative is also part of the strategy of the European Grid project, in which the Municipality of Cagliari participates with the aim of developing coordinated actions for climate adaptation and the transformation of urban spaces. The Via Garibaldi project will represent one of the demonstration solutions envisaged under the European program.
A true "paradigm shift in the design of urban spaces." This is the vision of the Councilor for Urban Infrastructure, Yuri Marcialis , who, together with the city council, aims to design a Cagliari capable of addressing the challenges posed by climate change. "The goal is to move beyond a concept of streets and public spaces tied exclusively to mobility," so as to "prioritize interventions that increase the urban environment's ability to adapt to increasingly higher temperatures." This is a choice the administration is aiming to "improve people's well-being, making the city more livable, comfortable, and resilient."