Urban microclimatic simulation as a tool for social cohesion and improvement in deprived areas, a case study

The climate crisis and current urban challenges necessitate a rethinking of our architectural and urban planning practices. While sustainable design has been a priority over the past few decades, its approach is no longer sufficient to address urgent environmental and social issues. This paper argues that we must advance toward regenerative design, which not only minimizes negative impact but also promotes the restoration and enhancement of ecosystems and urban communities.

This study focuses on an innovative project in Seville, Spain, exemplifying the potential of urban regenerative design and climate resilience. The initiative is in a currently neglected area where an urban stream previously flowed. The proposal aims to renaturalize this area, transforming it into an urban park that functions as a climate refuge and recreational space.

The project adopts a holistic vision of regenerative design, integrating natural systems, drawing inspiration from nature’s strategies and social patterns to create spaces that foster well-being, equity, and community engagement. To optimize nature-based solutions and enhance passive space conditioning, a field monitoring campaign was conducted, and ENVI-met software models were used to evaluate both the current state of the area and the proposed new infrastructures. These models assessed potential improvements in microclimate and thermal comfort, also considering climate projections for the second half of the 21st century.

The analysis results demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed intervention and its capacity to enhance climate resilience in the medium and long term. One of the most impactful strategies identified was the use of water as a cooling resource, which achieved a temperature reduction of up to 3°C during the hottest part of the day. This reduction would virtually compensate for the Urban Heat Island effect in the studied area, highlighting previous urban planning errors in relocating the natural water flow.

In summary, the case study in Seville illustrates how regenerative design can offer practical and effective solutions to address climate change and revitalize cities. Promoting regenerative practices not only benefits the environment but also strengthens the urban social fabric, creating healthier and more resilient communities. This research provides valuable insights into the implementation of regenerative projects and underscores the urgent need to rethink our urban planning strategies for a sustainable and regenerative future.