Hévíz’s Pilot: A Reversible Shading Solution to Cool a High-Use Public Square

Implemented within the Be Ready project, Hévíz’s pilot demonstrates how a white measure can ease heat stress in intensively used urban spaces where in-ground planting is not possible. The intervention tests a practical solution to urban heat islands in a newly built square that is fully paved, event-driven, and located by a major pedestrian route to the Thermal Lake.

The pilot installs sun sails spanning roughly 330 m² over key gathering zones. Designed for seasonal operation mounted before summer and removed ahead of winter the system is reversible, low-impact, and compatible with markets, performances, and everyday foot traffic. By blocking direct solar radiation without adding operational energy, the sails deliver immediate shade while keeping the square’s versatility for multiple functions.

The pilot action emerged from the Be Ready co-creation process: a UHI review to pinpoint the most vulnerable areas in the city, a Climate Sandbox workshop with local stakeholders, and technical consultations with municipal planning, public works, and events teams. Initial green options were ruled out due to dense underground utilities; therefore, the sails were selected as a non-intrusive alternative that could be procured and deployed quickly within local capacity. This provides comfort during hot hours for families, older residents, and visitors attending summer events.

Due to the system lightweight and easily replicable design, Hévíz sees potential to extend shading to other paved, high-use locations, like market areas or schoolyards, with the potential to layer the sails with portable green or blue elements, such as planters or misting devices. The pilot shows that small, targeted actions can keep public spaces usable in summer.