U-Care Project

Florence’s District 4 (Q4) served as a case study for urban areas in Mediterranean climates.

The field study explored how increasing heatwaves and flooding risks are affecting the accessibility, comfort, and resilience of public space.

Through fieldwork, data collection, and citizen-focused analysis of pedestrian routes and urban scenes, the study identified several key challenges, including limited shading, infrequent pedestrian crossings, reduced biotope areas, and insufficient resting spaces for vulnerable groups.

Green roofs are transforming our cities!

Through the U-CARE and aRTes projects, rooftops are being reimagined as spaces that bring together nature, energy, and sustainable design.

By combining green infrastructure with solar solutions, they show how underused urban spaces can contribute to healthier, more resilient cities.

A simple shift in perspective shows how nature-based solutions can move from ideas to everyday practice.

Have you ever come across the term "nature-based solutions"?

As cities grow and climate challenges intensify, urban planners and researchers are increasingly turning to nature itself to help address some of the biggest issues facing our urban environments - from rising temperatures and flooding to air pollution and limited green space.

Swipe through to learn more about nature-based solutions, why they matter for urban health, and how cities around the world are putting them into practice.

The U-Care case studies were an essential element of the project.

Conducted across Nicosia, Berlin, Gothenburg and Florence, the studies consisted of area fieldwork, data collection, and citizen-focused analysis of pedestrian routes and urban scenes.

In Nicosia, the Makarios Hospital area was assessed, with findings highlighting growing climate-related pressures alongside local challenges such as limited shade, lack of seating and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure.

These conditions contribute to urban heat stress, reduced accessibility, and higher flood risk.

At the same time, the study showed that even small-scale interventions, such as the addition of benches, can significantly improve the usability of public space.

The results point to the importance of integrating climate-responsive design, accessibility measures, and nature-based solutions in urban planning.