How to prevent the formation of urban heat islands? This problem is sought to be solved by Pawel Kalski in his thesis entitled. "Water in the City. Design as a factor supporting urban adaptation to climate change" carried out at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk under the direction of Bogumiła Jóźwicka, PhD.
The premise of Pawel Kalski's bachelor's project is a systemic solution to the need to cool urban spaces, resulting from the accumulation of impermeable, asphalt-concrete architecture. The idea of the solution is based on the creation of an urban oasis zone through the use of a coherent set of elements focused on the project axis, which is the microclimate generator.
urban oasis zone
© Pawel Kalski
microclimate generator
The project consists of several parts, and is based on a durable structure, numerous vegetation and interconnected elements of water infrastructure. All this has been composed around an object named microclimate generator - a lightweight canopy fixed to the ground with built-in foggers, which, together with tanks made of recycled materials, passively supports the generated microclimate by storing and retaining water.
The canopy introduces shade and collects rainwater
© Pawel Kalski
Pawel Kalski also designed other functional parts such as seats, trellises and drainage grates. The systematic nature of the solution makes it possible to duplicate and modify elements at will, thus creating unlimited zones tailored to individual needs. The minimum configuration that can be used is a generator with tanks, which allows the construction of a single refreshment point.
The project was among the list of the best art and design diplomas of 2019 of the "Font Not Font" competition.
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Illustrations courtesy of Pawel Kalski
