Fighting urban heat islands, the Parvis de la Défense pilot project, France

To better adapt to climate change and rising temperatures in cities and regions lacking green spaces, Seureca led the experimentation of an independent outdoor cooling island set up in Parvis de la Défense, Paris, during the summer of 2021.

Made up of a 200 m² paved podium incorporating benches, book boxes and planters, the island provided a space in which people could relax and socialise while benefiting from a reduced ambient temperature. This system comprised a cooling solution based on the capture and recovery of rainwater, evaporation from porous paving stones, vegetation, and the use of urban furniture to store non-drinking water.