Urban Heat: When Cooling Centers Become the New Third Places

Dec 10, 2024

38:12

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Climate change isn't just transforming our cities - it's reshaping where and how we gather.

In this special episode of Follow the Rabbit, we're joined by Juli Sikorska, a designer and researcher exploring how extreme heat is already reshaping our urban spaces. Through her work with the Urban Heat Studio, Juli reveals how climate adaptation isn't just about infrastructure - it's about reimagining how we live, gather, and support each other.

The conversation weaves together several key themes we've explored this season - from the evolution of third places to health as a luxury - while examining how climate change might accelerate social transformation. Juli shares fascinating examples of how cities are already adapting, from the ancient wisdom of southern European urban design to emerging community cooling centers in the Pacific Northwest.

We explore:

How extreme heat exposes and amplifies social inequities in cities
Why technical solutions alone won't be enough without stronger communities
How existing spaces like supermarkets and churches might evolve into climate refuges
The opportunity to rebuild social connections through shared challenges
What European cities can learn from places already dealing with extreme heat

The discussion reveals an unexpected silver lining: while climate adaptation poses immense challenges, it might also create opportunities to overcome the isolation of modern urban life and build more resilient communities.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome

01:20 - Juli's Journey to Heat Resilience Research

03:15 - Current Impact of Extreme Heat

06:07 - Urban Planning & Heat Adaptation

08:29 - From Third Places to Cooling Centers

11:34 - Community Solutions & Shared Spaces

15:21 - Rethinking Retail & Public Spaces

21:26 - Social Justice & Access to Cool Spaces

25:47 - Churches as Community Cooling Centers

28:41 - Community Building & Behavioral Change

31:14 - Opportunities in Crisis

34:00 - Urban Economics & Real Estate Challenges