In the summer of 2023, we opened the first CoolCo cooling point in Szigony Street, Józsefváros. In the four months since then, we've observed how residents use it, as we want to do what works well next time too, and learn from mistakes and improve for the next CoolCo.
Experiences with the co-design process:
- Residents seem to pay little attention to adapting to heatwaves, only some of them change their daily routine on the hottest days. One of the pillars of the CoolCo concept is to raise awareness of the risks of heatwaves and to encourage action. This has been done in a playful way by experts, and in a handout we have compiled tips to help residents on the hottest days. These were distributed to residents on the spot.
- The form of co-design was defined together with our partner Rév8. We organised events where passers-by were free to join in, and we did not expect participants to stay for long periods of time. This more open format was more likely to attract more people than a strictly structured event.
- Greater emphasis can be placed on the active involvement of local actors. Local commerces, health, educational and cultural institutions can be catalysts for improving the image of the destination and their active community-building role can be better exploited.
Experience in the design, planning and construction of CoolCo:
- On-site assembly of CoolCo took two days. During the process, the Koho' team experienced mixed perceptions of the street furniture from local residents. Many suggested that the plants, and even the modular elements, would soon be out of place. Nevertheless, the street furniture has remained in place in perfect functional condition. Although flowers have indeed disappeared from the spot, they have been constantly replaced.
- One of the most visible positive results is the reduction in surface temperatures. While it should come as no surprise that breaking the continuum of grey, dark asphalt has had a positive impact on the livability of our city, the extent of this is worth noting. One weekend in July, we took a thermal camera out to Szigony Street and recorded a difference of almost 20 degrees Celsius between the asphalt and the surface temperature at the cooling point.
- Thanks to the flowers, pollinators were also frequent visitors to the CoolCo during the summer. An important consideration in future plant selection is to provide as large an area as possible to host these insects, and in as high a quality a quality as possible.
- During the on-site visits, we also found that more attention needs to be paid to providing shade. When drawing up architectural plans, priority should be given to ensuring that shadows are cast at the cooling point at all angles of the sun.
- To get the full benefits of the CoolCo concept, we also need to modify the plans to make assembly easier and less time-consuming on site. The team is already working on this.
- In addition to the primary purpose of the concept, CoolCo points allow cooling in the dense urban fabric and can be complemented with additional elements. Time spent in public spaces can be enriched with playful elements and educational activities, for which the CoolCo point is the perfect place. The definition and implementation options for the extra elements will be defined as the needs are clarified.
We have gained valuable experience from the development of the first CoolCo, which will help us to provide a more diverse and convenient cooling experience in different locations around the city in the future.