Temporary cultural interventions in urban public spaces: sustainable design approaches for resilient communities in climate-sensitive areas

In the context of the global climate crisis and the need for liveable and adaptable urban public spaces, this paper identifies cultural and creative events as essential prerequisites for creating resilient cities. Given their dynamism as ‘social condensers’ and ‘urban animators’, as well as their active role in addressing climate change, the paper emphasizes the need for cultural actions to develop environmentally conscious and climate-positive/adaptive approaches in order to maintain their liveability. Through an analysis of case studies, built on temporary cultural installations in outdoor urban spaces, the research explores emerging design tools for climate-sensitive cultural interventions. Drawing on records and interpretative information derived from online architectural and urban design platforms, the study identifies adaptive design tools that mitigate specific climate change effects, i.e. rising temperatures and UHI phenomenon. The findings highlight the potential of cultural interventions to shape sustainable microclimatic conditions through the application of resilient design strategies. These ‘cultural/urban retreats’ enhance the value of climate-degraded public spaces, sustaining participation, inclusivity and the well-being of communities.