Can a few splashes of water on hot pavement reduce the heat island effect? Researchers find evidence to support a traditional Japanese method of cooling the environment.
Researchers from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have made a positive connection between the traditional Japanese practice of sprinkling water on the ground and the reduction in ground and air temperature. Samuel Illingworth of The Poetry of Science writes that the research, presented at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in April, showed a decreased surface and air temperature in a controlled three dimensional area, as measured by fiber optic cables.
Uchimizu involves the sprinkling of water over an area of land (uchi comes from the Japanese verb utsu meaning to hit or strike, and mizu is the Japanese word for water), and it is traditionally performed using a bucket and ladle whilst wearing a yukata.
The findings suggest that the act of uchimizu could help to mitigate the heat island effect in high temperature areas with low permeability.
FULL STORY: Ancient Cooling
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie