ANNUAL CONGRESS 2025

Preserving the past or protecting the future? Harmonizing Cultural Heritage and Climate Adaptation in Siena

Not scheduled

20m

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Oral Track 05 | ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Speaker

Ms Maria Pizzorni (UNESCO Chair on Urban Resilience, Department of Technology and Innovation, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Denmark)

Description

Climate change presents historically and culturally significant cities with unique challenges in adapting to its impacts while preserving their heritage. This research investigates the interplay between cultural heritage preservation and climate adaptation in Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. The study, born from the ISOCARP YPP (Young Planning Professional) Workshop "Valleys of Siena: Global Ideas for Local Connectivity," explores the challenges posed by climate change, particularly the urban heat island effect, within the city's dense historical fabric.
Through GIS analysis, field research, and a comparative study of successful climate adaptation strategies at other UNESCO World Heritage sites, the project identifies several key challenges facing Siena. High built-up density, with limited green spaces and extensive paved surfaces, significantly contributes to the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, the town’s green valleys, while significant, are often disconnected from the urban core, limiting their cooling effect. A lack of small-scale greening initiatives within the historic centre hinders microclimate regulation. Finally, existing green spaces and public areas may not adequately support social interaction and community building, limiting opportunities for meaningful engagement.
Drawing inspiration from successful case studies such as "Oasis Schoolyards" in Paris and "Streets for Kids" in Barcelona, the research proposes a series of "families of solutions" to address these challenges. These solutions encompass: (i) water management to improve water retention and drainage, mitigating heat island effects; (ii) ecosystem enhancement to improve existing green spaces and introduce small-scale greening initiatives within the urban fabric; (iii) community engagement to empower local communities to participate in the planning and implementation of climate adaptation measures; (iv) heat control to implement strategies that reduce heat absorption and increase cooling, such as shading devices and the de-impermeabilization of surfaces; and (v) the creation of inclusive spaces that foster belonging by developing accessible and welcoming public areas that encourage social interaction and community building.
The project emphasizes the crucial need to find a balance between preserving Siena's historical character and adapting to the challenges of climate change. By focusing on small-scale interventions, temporary structures, and community-led initiatives, the research aims to demonstrate how climate adaptation can be seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric of a UNESCO World Heritage city in a sensitive and respectful manner.
This research provides valuable insights for other heritage cities facing similar challenges, showcasing how a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach can effectively address the complex interplay between cultural heritage preservation and climate adaptation.