Seeking protection in times of turbulence: A methodology to assess and optimise the location of indoor climate shelters

Abstract As climate change increasingly threatens urban habitability through extreme weather events, cities must rapidly adopt strategies to safeguard public health and well-being. This study presents a valuable methodology for evaluating and optimising the distribution of indoor climate shelters in urban areas, using the AccessiCity model. Using Bilbao as a case study, the research evaluates existing and potential shelters according to their spatial accessibility, operating hours, and typology. By applying a time-sensitive accessibility analysis and a prioritisation algorithm, the study identifies key gaps in coverage. It proposes targeted improvements, emphasising the role of places of worship, schools, and subway entrances. When this refined “Bilbao Strategy” is extrapolated to 131 cities across different continents, climate zones, and colonial legacies, it achieves over 60% of maximum potential coverage in 74.81% of cases and exceeds 40% in 96.18%. Results underscore the importance of urban density, climate context, and typological availability in shaping the strategy’s performance. The findings contribute to a growing body of knowledge on equitable and scalable urban adaptation frameworks, offering a replicable model for enhancing resilience in the face of climate uncertainty.