From hot stones to smart zones

TALK 1: “FROM HOT STONES TO SMART ZONES” By Floor Pino and Thijs de Bruijn What was once a heat-retaining paved square has been transformed into the Hitteplein—a place for research and innovation at The Green Village. This experimental site offers a unique platform for researchers, students, public institutions, and companies to investigate the effectiveness of various climate adaptation measures. Current studies examine for example the cooling effect of tree evaporation, the influence of the square design on urban wind, and methods to filter and store rainwater for several months. Students contribute by testing innovative pavement types, analysing soil and air temperature models, and evaluating the impact of urban heat on drinking water infrastructure. Technological innovations such as permeable surfaces and “floating trees” are validated in real-world conditions. Equipped with underground infrastructure that monitors temperature, soil conductivity, and solar radiation, the Hitteplein is a place for students, scientists and government to exchange knowledge on urban heat. You are invited to learn more about the completed research, ongoing experiments, and the possibilities for initiating new studies within this unique fieldlab. TALK 2: ”VERY COOL URBAN FORESTS" By René van der Velde René van der Velde will delve into the role of the urban forest in helping cities adapt to climate change. His lecture explores the intersection of trees and urban microclimate, informing evidence-based strategies for integrating green infrastructure into the urban fabric. He will also elaborate on the i-Tree 2.0-NL project, a collaborative initiative with municipalities, research institutes and design firms to develop dynamic tree cooling data and develop new urban design applications for the i-Tree software. René will also go into the ‘Forest on Foot’ research initiative: mobile tree labs in vulnerable neighbourhoods, exploring the nexus of trees and thermal conditions, public health and social interaction. René is Associate Professor Landscape Architecture & Urban Forestry at TU Delft

T. de Bruijn

8-5-2025 10:45:00