First Peer Review Visit within the Be Ready Project

Representatives of the Science and Technology Park Niš and the city of Galati participated in a two-day peer review visit in the city of Kranj, Slovenia, to evaluate the implemented pilot action within the Be Ready project. The pilot is a climate adaptation measure aiming to mitigate the effect of urban heat.

In the very heart of the old city center, an innovative element in the form of a cloud made of waterproof wool was installed, equipped with a water vapor distribution system. This system cools the space during hot summer days and helps mitigate the effects of urban heat islands, while also providing refreshment for citizens, pets, and tourists.

The pilot action proved to be a highly attractive solution – it was very well received by the citizens of Kranj and has become particularly popular among the younger population, who recognized it as a gathering spot and a symbol of an innovative approach to public space design.

Partners focused on the concrete experience of the city of Kranj through:

· a presentation of the implementation process of blue measures in the old city center, with emphasis on challenges, advantages, and shortcomings,

· a study tour of the pilot site with members of the project team, organized by Aleksandra Ažman, project manager from the City of Kranj, with the participation of the Mayor of Kranj, Matjaž Rakovec,

· an evaluation process with a discussion among partners.

Peer reviewers highly appreciated the process of public consultation, the involvement of the citizens, children especially, in the co-creation process as well as the contribution of urban planners and public space artists for the idea of “cloud” and “rain”. This visit enabled partners to directly observe the outcomes of the implemented pilot project, exchange good practices, and provide recommendations that will further enhance future measures in tackling the effects of urban heat islands.

Photo credits: Municipality of Kranj