A_Washington & A_Carr
Community Cooling
Introduction: Context, Problem, and Purpose
The concept of social cohesion within communities is important for the economic, political and social health of a city or neighborhood. In developing communities like Marina del Prat Vermell, there is a risk to the development of social cohesion due to the lack of spaces and activities that promote it (markets, parks, community centers and businesses) and a risk that the community will be isolated or excluded (socially and economically) from the larger city of Barcelona. In addition to cohesion, disparities in access to public spaces and services such as green spaces and cooling centers, also impact the ability of residents to cope with problems related to excessive heat due to climate change and the urban heat island effect.
Elderly people and families with children are most likely to feel the effects of a lack of social cohesion inside and outside the community which may lead to feelings of isolation among the elderly and disparities in educational and economic opportunities for families. Children and the elderly are also among the groups most impacted by the effects of major heat events and the urban island heat effect, as they are less able to cope with high temperatures over long periods of time.
Theoretical Framework
Qualitative Experience
Background: Context
Outline
Literature Review
Social cohesion can be defined using two distinct but related aspects, the first of which is related to addressing inequities among people in a community or society and preventing social exclusion. The second aspect is concerned with promoting and strengthening social ties within a community. (Jenson 2010). For the purposes of our research we will be examining indicators of social cohesion such as access to and affordability of basic needs, and access to services and public spaces as compared to other parts of Barcelona.
The population of Marina del Prat Vermell was 1145 as of 2015, and as more housing is constructed the planned population will grow to around 28,000 over 16 years (Ajuntament de Barcelona 2017). The most recent numbers from 2022 put the population at 1517(EL3 2024). Age distribution in the Vermell is similar to percentages for Barcelona as a whole, with 13% under 16, 66% 16-64, and 20% 65 years or older (Ajuntament . This suggests that the Vermell neighborhood will need age based services, such as schools, markets and community centers on a level equal to that of other parts of the city. Both income levels and higher education attainment in Vermell is lower than other parts of the city, suggesting that there will be a need for educational services for adults as well as interventions that ensure affordability and provide economic opportunity.
Studies have shown that the urban heat island effect can cause a temperature rise of up to 8℃ in central Barcelona as compared to areas outside the city (Martin-Vide, Javier 2023). The heat island effect is caused by a combination of factors at the city level which include a lack of green spaces, pavement that retains daytime heat, heat produced from bringing water, energy and other services, among other factors. Marina del Prat Vermell has an advantage in this aspect as a planned community with more greenspace than many other parts of Barcelona, however, the current lack of community centers, schools and businesses that can serve as cooling centers during heat waves may make it difficult for people to find relief from extreme heat.
Jenson, Jane Defining and Measuring Social Cohesion
https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/151856/Jenson%20ebook.pdf
(1) The first dimension can be shortly denoted as the inequality dimension. It concerns the goal of promoting equal opportunities and reducing disparities and divisions within a society. This also includes the aspect of social exclusion.
(2) The second dimension can be shortly denoted as the social capital dimension. It concerns the goal of strengthening social relations, interactions and ties and embraces all aspects which are generally considered as the social capital of a society.
Ajuntament de Barcelona, Marina Neighborhood Plan
https://www.pladebarris.barcelona/sites/default/files/PdB_La%20Marina_0.pdf
The new neighborhood of the Marina del Prat Vermell demands improvements to the Public Transport that reaches the neighborhood
https://www.el3.cat/noticia/94231/el-nou-veinat-de-la-marina-del-prat-vermell-reclama-millores-al-transport-public-que-arrib
Mapping the Urban Vitality of Barcelona
https://www.uab.cat/web/newsroom/news-detail/mapping-the-urban-vitality-of-barcelona-1345668003610.html?noticiaid=1345767359608
Effects of the urban heat island on Barcelona metropolitan region
Effects of the urban heat island on Barcelona metropolitan region
Climate shelters in schools
https://www.barcelona.cat/barcelona-pel-clima/en/climate-shelters-schools
Barcelona’s pilot project to beat the heat
https://www.uia-initiative.eu/en/news/barcelonas-pilot-project-beat-heat-0
Could painting rooftops white help lower temperatures? Scientists want Barcelona to try it out
https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/07/08/painting-barcelona-s-rooftops-could-lower-temperatures-by-up-to-five-degrees-say-experts
Tropical nights, torrid nights, a new climate risk
https://www.barcelona.cat/metropolis/en/contents/tropical-nights-torrid-nights-new-climate-risk
Over 200 climate shelters to beat the heat in the city
https://www.barcelona.cat/internationalwelcome/news/over-200-climate-shelters-to-beat-the-heat-in-the-city-1302979
Background: Quantitative & Qualitative Baseline
Research ongoing
Sensors
Arduino sensors that might be useful include implements for measuring both ambient and surface temperature.
Initial research identified the “SparkFun IR Array Breakout – 110 Degree FOV, MLX90640 (Qwiic)” sensor as a possible option for measuring surface temperature and capturing infrared images of pavement heat retention.