USI presents "Thermal Governance" at Expo Osaka

The project Thermal Governance by the USI Academy of Architecture, dedicated to balancing sun and shade in urban spaces, is being presented as part of the Swiss Pavilion Exhibition at Expo Osaka.

Global warming poses new challenges for cities, compelling them to reevaluate the relationship between built environments and the quality of public spaces. In response to this transformation, the Academy of Architecture at Università della Svizzera italiana has introduced an innovative concept called Thermal Governance. This design approach emphasises the distribution of sunlight and shade in urban areas. The project, curated by Associate Professor Sascha Roesler and PhD assistant Julian Raffetseder, has been selected for the Swiss Pavilion Exhibition at Expo Osaka, bringing USI's research to a prestigious international stage.

The idea stems from the observation that the shape of buildings affects not only their aesthetics but also significantly influences the microclimatic conditions experienced by citizens daily. Factors such as the height of buildings, the arrangement of their volumes, and their ability to control sunlight become essential tools for managing the urban climate. The model developed by the project specifically focuses on achieving this balance: ensuring access to sunlight during the colder months while providing protective shade during increasingly hot summers.

A telling example is the "Subtropical Vienna” scenario, where the model emphasises urban areas that become overheated in the summer sun. It proposes adding new buildings to provide shade, which are depicted in red. These additions are not chosen arbitrarily; their height is limited to ensure that they do not obstruct the natural light of the surrounding buildings, represented by blue roofs. This project illustrates how conflicting needs, such as protection from excessive heat and the preservation of living quality, can be harmonised.

The value of Thermal Governance also lies in its interdisciplinary nature: the models are based on concrete data and expert contributions, transforming them into valuable tools for urban planners, architects and policy makers. It is not just a theoretical abstraction, but a design methodology capable of guiding urban planning towards greater climate resilience.

The project encourages citizens to consider their relationship with the city using an interactive device. Participants can mark urban areas where they prefer sunlight or shade, connecting their personal experiences to planning decisions. This participatory aspect emphasises that urban climate is not just a technical issue but also a social and cultural one, deeply rooted in people's everyday lives.

The USI Academy of Architecture presents an innovative vision of urban design through Thermal Governance, showcasing this perspective to a global audience at Expo Osaka. This event provides an opportunity to demonstrate how the structure of a city can serve as a tool for adapting to climate change and to envision more livable and sustainable urban spaces for everyone.