The ‘Kronenplatz effect': measures for heat-adapted urban design
Planning workshop - urban interventions by students
In July 2026, students of Regional Science/Spatial Planning and Architecture will be testing various urban interventions at Kronenplatz in Karlsruhe. The projects are being carried out as part of the ‘Planning Workshop’ course at the Institute of Regional Science, and are led by Michael Janoschka and Riccardo Porreca. The aim is to improve the microclimate and the quality of the environment at Kronenplatz, and to carry out practical research into approaches to heat-adapted design of public spaces.
Among other things, the students are testing the cooling effect of water mist and areas of rolled turf, as well as the shade provided by parasols and sun sails. In addition, deckchairs are being provided, existing elements such as the orange ‘Enzis’ are being fitted with parasols, and both Komorebi structures are being incorporated into the intervention. In this way, the existing space is being temporarily reconfigured.
Over the course of several days, the students are investigating how these new and existing elements influence the use of Kronenplatz and the quality of the visitor experience there. To this end, they are employing social science survey methods. For visitors, localised temperature effects are also being visualised using a thermal imaging camera. This clearly demonstrates how greenery, water mist and shading can contribute to the localised cooling of individual areas.
Sun sails provide shading
In the project seminar “My City Lounge @Kronenplatz,” architecture students, under the guidance of Riccardo la Magna, developed a sunshade that combines aesthetic and functional elements. It provides additional shade and helps make spending time at Kronenplatz more pleasant.
corner <Science> to meet you!
The Kronenplatz Effect also incorporates the knowledge-transfer installation *corner <Science> to meet you!*. As part of this intervention, *corner* presents the video installation “Hot, Hotter, City—We Measure What You Feel.” Visitors can engage with several video statements about heat in the city within the installation and reflect on their own perspective on the topic. The video installation was produced by Torero and is on view in the container on the right, which is accessible through the side door.
As a space for exchange, encounter, and knowledge transfer, corner combines research on climatic effects with social science perspectives on the use, appropriation, and social interaction in public spaces. The focus is on issues related to heat in the city, quality of life, and the perception of urban spaces.
Climate measurements at Kronenplatz
To gain a better understanding of how various design measures affect the microclimate at Kronenplatz, measurement sensors were installed at several locations as part of the joint project. These sensors record temperature and humidity, revealing how climatic conditions vary across small areas of the square. The data collected is being analysed by the South German Climate Office.
The measurements provide insights into which measures can help reduce heat stress and how public urban spaces can be designed to be more climate-resilient in future. Kronenplatz is thus becoming a real-world testing ground for climate-adapted urban design. The scientific community, designers and the urban community are working together here to gain insights that may be relevant not only for Kronenplatz, but also for other towns and cities.
A real-world labatory for heat-resilient and liveable city centres
The Kronenplatz Effect directly links scientific analysis, spatial design and social dialogue within the urban environment. Measures are tested directly on site and their effects are systematically examined. The project thus follows a ‘real-world laboratory’ approach, in which the urban community, local government, designers and academics work together.
The Kronenplatz Effect at ‘corner <Science> to meet you!’ at Kronenplatz is organised by the Chair of Design of Structures, the Institute for Regional Studies, the South German Climate Office at the Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research – Tropospheric Research, and TRIANGEL Transfer | Culture | Space within the Knowledge Transfer Department. The project team comprising Hans Schipper, Michael Janoschka, Agnes Matoga, Riccardo la Magna and Laura Bosch would welcome feedback and suggestions regarding the Kronenplatz Effect.
We would like to thank the Schleicher Foundation for funding the project, the project partners for their collaboration, and the City of Karlsruhe for lending us the parasols.
