Follow the Rabbit

Urban Heat: When Cooling Centers Become the New Third Places

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Climate change isn't just transforming our cities - it's reshaping where and how we gather.


In this special episode of Follow the Rabbit, we're joined by Juli Sikorska, a designer and researcher exploring how extreme heat is already reshaping our urban spaces. Through her work with the Urban Heat Studio, Juli reveals how climate adaptation isn't just about infrastructure - it's about reimagining how we live, gather, and support each other.


The conversation weaves together several key themes we've explored this season - from the evolution of third places to health as a luxury - while examining how climate change might accelerate social transformation. Juli shares fascinating examples of how cities are already adapting, from the ancient wisdom of southern European urban design to emerging community cooling centers in the Pacific Northwest.


We explore:

  • How extreme heat exposes and amplifies social inequities in cities
  • Why technical solutions alone won't be enough without stronger communities
  • How existing spaces like supermarkets and churches might evolve into climate refuges
  • The opportunity to rebuild social connections through shared challenges
  • What European cities can learn from places already dealing with extreme heat


    • The discussion reveals an unexpected silver lining: while climate adaptation poses immense challenges, it might also create opportunities to overcome the isolation of modern urban life and build more resilient communities.


    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction & Welcome

    01:20 - Juli's Journey to Heat Resilience Research 

    03:15 - Current Impact of Extreme Heat

    06:07 - Urban Planning & Heat Adaptation 

    08:29 - From Third Places to Cooling Centers 

    11:34 - Community Solutions & Shared Spaces 

    15:21 - Rethinking Retail & Public Spaces 

    21:26 - Social Justice & Access to Cool Spaces 

    25:47 - Churches as Community Cooling Centers 

    28:41 - Community Building & Behavioral Change 

    31:14 - Opportunities in Crisis 

    34:00 - Urban Economics & Real Estate Challenges 

    37:20 - Closing Thoughts: Building Networks for the Future


    Photo Credits:

    • Jana Margarete Schuler + Komptenzzentrum Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaft des Bundes
    • Julius Falk / Urban Heat Studio


      • Links to Juli

      • Urban Heat Studio
      • Juli Sikorska


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        Follow the RabbitBy Igor Schwarzmann, Johannes Kleske