Cooling Ratiboř: A Community Approach to Beating the Heat

Earlier in May the Community Centre in Ratiboř hosted a workshop as part of the Be Ready project, which addresses the growing challenge of urban heat islands (UHI). The event focused on sharing the results of a local UHI vulnerability and risk assessment, proposing adaptation measures, and engaging the public in planning next steps.

Mayor Martin Žabčík opened the workshop with a brief overview of the project’s goals and progress. Eva Pauditšová (STUBA) then presented findings from the assessment, highlighting areas in Ratiboř most at risk of overheating and identifying vulnerable population groups affected by climate change.

Libor Sošťák followed with proposals for pilot measures to reduce UHI impacts, including visual concepts for specific sites. Drawing inspiration from other cities, his presentation emphasized:

incorporating vegetation and water elements,
modifying surfaces with heat-resistant materials.

Petra Balga (JINAG) introduced a participatory data collection method using sensory maps, which will be implemented starting on 31 May. Schoolchildren, seniors, and the wider public will share their ideas—both online and in person—about how they envision public spaces in their town. The results will be showcased in a living architecture exhibition featuring children's artwork, architectural designs, and visualisations.

The second half of the workshop focused on collaboratively planning the pilot implementation. Discussions covered practical scenarios, community involvement, and temperature monitoring at selected sites—culminating in a collectively developed roadmap. The outcomes of the participatory activities will be highly valuable for preparing the Action Plan in the later stages of the project.

With this initiative, Ratiboř is setting an example of how local communities can shape public spaces to better withstand rising temperatures through inclusive, bottom-up planning.