Cool street: atlante dei materiali urbani per pavimentazioni di spazi pubblici inclusivi e resilienti

Summer overheating represents one of the most significant challenges for the liveability of public spaces in urban areas with significant repercussions on environmental accessibility and citizens’ health. The phenomenon of the Urban Heat Island (UHI), accentuated by climate change and the widespread presence of impermeable and low-reflectance surfaces in densely populated contexts, urges the need to adopt mitigation and adaptation strategies to increase the resilience of the built environment and the quality of life in cities. Among the most effective solutions, cool pavements stand out for their ability to reflect more solar radiation, reduce heat accumulation and improve the local microclimate. However, choosing the most suitable pavement for each context and field of application requires an analysis of the mechanical and chemical-physical properties of the material, in compliance with current regulations. This analysis also considers aspects such as durability, installation and maintenance costs, and environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle of the product. The choice of public pavements also has a direct impact on the physical, sensory and cognitive accessibility of the space, facilitating orientation and independent and safe use by users with disabilities and improving their multisensory experience. Starting from this premise, the research identified and analyzed the materials traditionally used in the public spaces of the city of Rome – streets, sidewalks and squares – and explored two directions: on the one hand, proposing integration strategies to improve the performance of traditional materials in terms of heat mitigation; on the other, identifying innovative solutions available on the market, such as materials with a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI>29), or permeable materials to promote evaporative cooling, examining them as possible alternatives to the traditional pavements identified. The atlas, structured by categories of materials, includes sheets containing general characteristics, technical and economic specifications, performance and certifications, compliance with the minimum environmental criteria (Criteri Ambientali Minimi – CAM), operational requirements and possible uses in urban areas. Furthermore, it provides introductory sheets by category that investigate, based on empirical analyses, the thermal response and perception of thermal comfort of inhabitants during both day and night phases. The comparison between basic paving and integrated solutions with trees shows that the performance data of the paving taken in isolation is not sufficient to guarantee optimal conditions of outdoor comfort. The aim of the research was to provide an operational tool for designers and public administrators, combining scientific bases and application case studies. This approach was aimed at supporting the design of inclusive and adaptive public spaces, while promoting innovative solutions and sustainable social behaviors.