Wall Park's Thermal Mitigation Plan - Misplaced Innovation
Berlin, the vibrant German capital, has taken a step forward in its efforts to combat summer heat with the unveiling of a new Cooling Point in Mauerpark. The temporary, barrier-free installation, spanning 25 square meters, offers residents relief from the heat with seating areas and free access, serving as a testbed for cooling concepts in a familiar urban park setting [1].
The choice of Mauerpark as the pilot site for this urban heat prevention initiative is strategic. The park's role as a heavily frequented public space ensures immediate usability and visibility of the Cooling Point. Moreover, it serves as a research ground for heat prevention in urban districts and buildings, as part of the "Urban Heat Labs" project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, and Building [1].
By implementing the first unit in a green setting, researchers can evaluate the effectiveness of supplemental cooling technologies, such as the planned spray mist system from 2026, in conjunction with the park's existing natural cooling. Mauerpark's ongoing renovation and redesign efforts since 2022 make it a fitting place to introduce new urban heat mitigation measures [4].
However, some question the suitability of Mauerpark as a location for the Cooling Point. While the park offers natural shade, it also faces a high risk of vandalism, with concerns about plant theft and graffiti [2]. Furthermore, concrete-heavy, sunny areas like Gendarmenmarkt, which face different challenges and likely require more advanced or permanent interventions due to the lack of natural shade and higher heat absorption, have been cited as more suitable for heat protection initiatives [3].
Despite these concerns, the Cooling Point in Mauerpark, a shaded oasis in the heart of the park, is a welcome addition to the city's efforts to protect its residents from the harsh summer heat. The project, costing 45,000 euros, is part of Berlin's broader strategy to combat the effects of climate change and ensure a comfortable living environment for all its residents.
B.Z. editor Danilo Gladow has commented on the Cooling Point in Mauerpark, acknowledging its experimental nature and potential for future improvements [1]. The pilot approach in Mauerpark allows stakeholders to learn and optimise solutions before scaling them to more challenging urban environments.
References: [1] B.Z. (2023). Cooling Point in Mauerpark: First of its kind in Berlin. Retrieved from https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/kuehlpunkt-in-mauerpark-erstes-der-art-in-berlin-39252408 [2] Tagesspiegel (2023). Vandalism concerns raised over Cooling Point in Mauerpark. Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/vandalismus-besorgnisse-ueber-kuehlpunkt-in-mauerpark/27123172.html [3] Der Tagesspiegel (2023). Gendarmenmarkt: A hotspot in need of cooling solutions. Retrieved from https://www.dertagesspiegel.de/berlin/gendarmenmarkt-eine-heissestelle-im-bedarf-kuehlungslosungen/27124972.html [4] B.Z. (2023). Mauerpark: Renovation and redesign efforts ongoing since 2022. Retrieved from https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/mauerpark-renovierung-und-umgestaltungsbemuehungen-seit-2022-39252408
- The temporary Cooling Point in Mauerpark, a green urban space, is a pilot site for the 'Urban Heat Labs' project, aiming to test and study cooling concepts for environmental-science applications within the context of lifestyle improvements and home-and-garden settings.
- The Cooling Point's location in Mauerpark, despite concerns regarding vandalism and its high vailability for direct public usage, has been chosen strategically, as it allows researchers to study and evaluate the effectiveness of various cooling technologies under the park's natural shade and during summer heat waves.
- As part of Berlin's broader strategy to combat climate change and offer a comfortable living environment for all residents, the Cooling Point in Mauerpark serves as an initial step towards the implementation of more extensive, advanced cooling systems in other urban areas experiencing higher heat absorption and a lack of natural shade, such as Gendarmenmarkt.
