The green in-between: the future of public spaces in response to increasing heat waves and urban flood risks

Abstract

Downtown low-income neighbourhoods in large Canadian cities are disproportionately affected by heat waves and urban flood risks in the face of climate change. They are ill-equipped to protect residents and infrastructures from more frequent and severe extreme weather events due to the predominance of heat-absorbent and impermeable hardscape surfaces. This affects the well-being and physical and psychological health of residents. It also has significant economic impacts. Introducing nature inbetween buildings could help better manage heat and water and provide beautiful outdoor spaces where people can seek heat relief. The thesis investigates creating a new type of public space in downtown Toronto, the Urban Forest Park, learning from soft engineering, passive design, and biophilic design. It aims to offer a beautiful recreational cool microclimate that becomes a destination for residents and a resilient neighbourhood infrastructure that manages stormwater and mitigates the urban heat island effect.