Pedestrian Space established the Global URBAN HEAT Media Lab in August 2026 as an international, interdisciplinary network and initiative for knowledge exchange, co-learning, and collaborative research on urban heat adaptation and mitigation.
Earlier this month, we assembled a list of concepts present and developing for independent inquiry as well as collaboration at the network for the Global URBAN HEAT Media Lab. Concepts documented in the group include, but are not limited to the following, which have also deliberately been framed and summarized quite broadly as network members work on projects:
•Various issues of heat and heritage in different geographic contexts
•Aspects of extreme heat and housing
•Intersecting issues of climate change, urban heat and migration from different geographic and societal perspectives
•Intersecting and interdisciplinary perspectives of heat via lens of health
•Understanding aspects of cooling and thermal comfort via diverse geographic contexts
•Lived experiences and stories of experiencing heat
•Visual investigation of shade at public transit shelters and stations
•Interactive heat mapping project
•Development of heat vulnerability index that can be used in various contexts globally
•Examining use of nature-based solutions across diverse urban and geographic contexts for mitigating urban heat
•Provision of adequate shade in diverse public spaces
•Inquiries on how urban planning and design can enhance cities cooling capacities
•and more…
The Global URBAN HEAT Media Lab is an initiative and network of over 55 engaged participants working both independently and collaboratively on issues of urban heat mitigation. Within that network is an active and dynamic ‘International Internship Network’ in which Pedestrian Space is hosting numerous undergraduate and graduate academic interns working on diverse issues of urban heat this academic year.
I’m so grateful and inspired to experience a truly dynamic and inspiring foundational 2026/27 cohort for this pilot year of the Global URBAN HEAT Media Lab.
-Annika
