The rise in temperatures and the intensification of heat waves are increasingly prevalent, particularly in urban environments. Climate projections for the coming years indicate a scenario in which ensuring thermal comfort in public spaces will be one of the primary challenges. The data is clear: according to the Meteorological Service of Catalonia, Barcelona could exceed a 2 °C temperature increase before 2030 if global climate commitments are not met. Moreover, the urban heat island effect exacerbates the situation, with temperature differences of up to 7 °C between green areas and paved environments. This has a direct impact on public health, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses.

In response to this scenario, Aiguasol considers it essential to equip municipalities with practical tools for immediate action. As part of the BATEC team and in collaboration with the Barcelona Provincial Council, we have contributed to the development of the Guide for the Design of Shading Systems in Public Spaces—a practical tool for managing public space based on climate-adaptive criteria.

A guide for local implementation

The objective of the guide is to support municipalities in incorporating built shading solutions as an immediate or complementary response to vegetation-based shading, particularly in cases where space, time, or infrastructure constraints limit the feasibility of effective natural shading.

This tool is designed for municipal professionals involved in the planning and management of public spaces who aim to implement interventions grounded in sound climate, environmental, and social criteria. It is also relevant for architects, landscape designers, community organizations, and shading system suppliers.

Aiguasol contributed to the structuring of technical, environmental, and functional criteria to guide the selection and implementation of shading systems, ensuring that proposed solutions are site-specific, effective, and sustainable over time.

What does the guide include?

1. Diagnostic and Initial Spatial Analysis
   The process begins with a thermal and usage analysis of the public space, evaluating indicators such as thermal contrast, UV radiation, and perceived thermal comfort. This phase helps to identify priority intervention zones.
2. Criteria for Selecting Optimal Solutions
   A set of technical criteria was defined to evaluate and compare shading options across four main dimensions:

• Thermal comfort: orientation, ventilation, integration of vegetation, and the structure’s form and volume.

• Formal configuration: modularity, context integration, quantity and distribution of shade.

• Construction: material selection, cost per square meter, and ease of assembly/disassembly.

• Environmental impact: use of recycled or locally sourced materials, waste management, and carbon footprint.

Aiguasol’s role was to support the development of these criteria to ensure a balance between technical feasibility, climate impact, and user-centered design. The guide also includes complementary criteria such as integration of vegetation, water cycle management, renewable energy generation, and associated urban furniture.

3. Product Catalogue and Case Studies
   A key strength of the guide is the catalogue of available solutions, designed to facilitate decision-making. It includes products assessed based on environmental, technical, and economic criteria, allowing municipal staff to make objective comparisons and tailor interventions to local contexts.
4. Implementation and Monitoring
   The guide outlines procedures for installation, maintenance, and performance monitoring of the shading systems post-implementation, with the aim of ensuring long-term effectiveness and adaptability.

The urgency of immediate action

Urban areas are particularly susceptible to the heat island effect, a phenomenon that will likely intensify if not addressed through deliberate planning. This guide provides municipalities with a tool that transforms a climate challenge into an opportunity for urban innovation.

At Aiguasol, we strongly believe in the value of such tools for advancing a fair and adaptive energy transition. The guide is available through the Barcelona Provincial Council (https://www.diba.cat/ca/web/mediambient/-/guia-disseny-sistemes-ombratge-reduir-impacte-onades-calor) and the BATEC project.

We encourage all municipalities and professionals involved in public space management to adopt and implement this resource. It is designed to be applied, adapted, and shared. Designing shade means designing health, comfort, and resilience for the cities of the future.