Climate shelters as adaptive urban infrastructures – A systemic network to reduce inequalities

Authors

  • Danila Longo University of Bologna (Italy)
  • Rossella Roversi University of Bologna (Italy)
  • Riccardo Mercuri University of Bologna (Italy)
  • Beatrice Turillazzi University of Bologna (Italy)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69143/2464-9309/19102026

Keywords:

climate shelters, climate justice, green infrastructures, urban climate vulnerability, spatial equity

Abstract

Climate change is intensifying inequalities in urban areas, affecting vulnerable populations more severely during extreme heatwaves. In this context, this article proposes a critical reinterpretation of climate shelters as permanent urban infrastructures of redistribution explicitly linked to SDG 10 (Reduce inequalities). Through a structured critical literature review, a comparative analysis of pioneering international case studies (Barcelona, Paris, Bilbao), and the experimentation conducted in Bologna within the PNRR Ecosister and TALEA projects, the research demonstrates how interconnected networks of climate shelters, conceived as relational and systemic devices integrating nature-based solutions, digital innovation, and social inclusion, can counter spatial and climate injustices, guaranteeing the right to comfort as a shared environmental right.

 

Article info

Received: 10/03/2026; Revised: 15/04/2026; Accepted: 17/04/2026

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Author Biographies

Danila Longo, University of Bologna (Italy)

Architect and PhD, she is a Full Professor of Architectural Technology at the Department of Architecture and UniBO Representative in the ‘European Construction, built environment and energy efficient building Technology Platform’ (ECTP). She works on energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and co-design for the green transition.
E-mail: danila.longo@unibo.it

Rossella Roversi, University of Bologna (Italy)

Architect and PhD, she is a Researcher at the Department of Architecture. She works on urban regeneration, climate-change adaptation strategies, energy transition, urban-scale digital twins, and enhancement of Cultural Heritage.
E-mail: rossella.roversi@unibo.it

Riccardo Mercuri, University of Bologna (Italy)

PhD Candidate at the Department of Architecture, he works on Transition Design with a planet-oriented approach in contexts of climate fragility. He collaborated on the PNRR Ecosister project on ecological transition.
E-mail: riccardo.mercuri2@unibo.it

Beatrice Turillazzi, University of Bologna (Italy)

Architect and PhD, she is Associate Professor of Architectural Technology at the Department. She works on building design, accessibility, BIM, and the digitalisation of the built environment.
E-mail: beatrice.turillazzi@unibo.it

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Superilla Peatonal Sant Antoni and Plaça Sant Antoni in Barcelona (credits: R. Roversi, 2026). AGATHÓN 19 | 2026

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Published

30-06-2026

How to Cite

Longo, D., Roversi, R., Mercuri, R. and Turillazzi, B. (2026) “Climate shelters as adaptive urban infrastructures – A systemic network to reduce inequalities”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 19, pp. 172–191. doi: 10.69143/2464-9309/19102026.