Arnhem

This pilot uses natural solutions and works closely with local people to reduce heat in the area. The space is mostly paved, with little shade or green areas, making it uncomfortable especially for older people who live nearby. The plan is to plant more trees and remove some of the paving. If it's not possible to plant enough trees because of the underground space, then pergolas (shade structures) can be used instead. This idea fits with Arnhem’s “3-30-300” goal: everyone should see 3 trees from home, every neighborhood should have 30% tree cover, and everyone should live within 300 meters of green space.

This square is part of a larger network of cool places and routes in Arnhem. It will help people, especially the elderly, walk to the shops and around the neighborhood without suffering from the summer heat. The project will also improve water drainage and bring more plants and animals to the area.

What makes this project special is how local people are part of the design process from the beginning. Residents, including elderly people and families, will help design the space starting in 2025. This way, the final result will reflect what the community really wants and needs. It also helps people feel more connected to the place and more likely to take care of it. The goal is not only to make the area cooler but also to make it feel like a place that belongs to everyone.

In 2026, the square will become a more pleasant, green, and cool place. Older people will be able to do their shopping and enjoy being outside without feeling too hot. Children will also have a better place to play. Over time, this project will show how areas in cities, especially in neighborhoods that need extra care, can be improved to be better for people and for nature. It will also help bring the community closer together.

Would you like to make your city’s public spaces cooler, greener, and more welcoming too? Get in touch!