Airbient: Adaptive Shade System

What is urban heat?

Urban Heat arises from the growth and expansion of urban areas, including industrialisation and the general shift of people from rural to urban areas. To accommodate urban growth natural vegetation is often replaced with dark, low albedo surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. The increased building footprints also disrupts the natural wind corridors (NSW Government, 2025). These changes limit the environment’s ability to regulate temperature increase urban heat and contributes to the urban heat island phenomenon.

IMPACTS On human health

Urban heat affects human health both directly and indirectly. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration, heatstroke, and exhaustion, whilst also exacerbating existing health conditions, and reducing psychological wellbeing (Planning Institute Australia, 2024).

Environmental Consequences

Tree and other vegetation naturally absorb solar radiation through photosynthesis and heat is absorbed through plants transpiration or evapotranspiration. Similarly, water bodies act as natural cooling systems absorbing heat and releasing it gradually.
However, the transformation of the natural landscapes into dense urban environments has deceased the capacity of ecosystems to absorb and manage heat. This places stress on surrounding environments, reduces biodiversity, and undermines ecological resilience within cities (Planning Institute Australia, 2024).

rESEARCH fINDINGS

Understanding how communities interact with public spaces, particularly during peak times, was identified as a key opportunity for design intervention.
Research highlighted the importance of creating spaces that can adapt and evolve throughout the day, responding to changes in weather conditions and user needs. Designing for flexibility and resilience enables spaces to remain comfortable, functional, and inclusive in varying environmental conditions.
However, it was also found that because the impacts of urban heat are often not immediately visible or tangible, many people do not perceive a need for adaptable design. This lack of awareness contributes to slower infrastructure changes and limits investment in climate-responsive public spaces.
Urban heat was described as a “silent killer,” reflecting the public’s limited understanding of its effects. While most people acknowledge rising temperatures, the absence of broader awareness leaves communities vulnerable. This insight reinforces the need for design-led education and visibility, where public spaces can serve not only as places of comfort but also as tools to raise awareness and demonstrate the value of sustainable, adaptive design.

“Urban heat is a silent killer”

Expert Research Participant

How it works

Physical Prototype