Get to Know Hévíz Pilot – A Shading Solution to Cool a High-Use Public Square. Watch the video

Get to Know Hévíz Pilot – A Shading Solution to Cool a High-Use Public Square

Discover how the spa town of Hévíz is taking practical steps to adapt to rising urban temperatures with its reversible shading pilot, implemented within the Be Ready project. This initiative showcases a locally appropriate response to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in a busy public space where traditional greening isn’t feasible.

In the public square – a lively, fully paved area near key pedestrian routes – the pilot installs sun sails covering around 330 m², providing seasonal shade where it’s most needed. These lightweight, reversible structures reduce direct solar radiation during hot months while leaving the space fully usable for markets, events and everyday public life. The system is designed to be low-impact, easy to set up and remove, and compatible with various urban uses.

This solution emerged from a collaborative process. By improving comfort in high-use outdoor areas without energy-intensive systems, the pilot demonstrates how urban acupuncture “white” measures can make public spaces more climate-ready.

Watch the video to see how Hévíz’s shading solution brings immediate relief from heat, supports more comfortable outdoor activity, and can be replicated or combined with other cooling elements like movable greenery and misting systems in other urban contexts.