Rising Temperatures in Phoenix Require Thoughtful and Sustainable Urban Design

by Michael W. Krentz

The Grand at Papago Park Center, Certified LEED Silver in Tempe, Ariz.

Warming global temperatures have been one of the key drivers of climate change. As myriad odd weather patterns have developed over the past three to four decades, one of the most notable changes locally has been the shift of the monsoon weather patterns in late summer. A contributing factor has been the buildup of Metro Phoenix, creating the urban heat island, or ”heat dome,” that is contributing to keeping storm cells out of the city.

Phoenix grew in a sprawling manner over the past 40 years with the introduction of new roadways and transit options but, like many rapidly growing cities, it faces a complex set of challenges and opportunities as it continues to develop. Currently, planned zoning amendments for reducing parking on some projects and strategies to mitigate Phoenix’s declining urban forest have pointed in a good direction for a less paved, more shaded future.

The growth of the city added many new buildings to the landscape. Some existing structures illustrate how architects had to focus on passive design strategies such as building orientation, protected openings and natural ventilation to create environmentally comfortable buildings. Anything from thick adobe walls to dense landscaping and deep-shaded porches allowed for comfortable spaces to exist prior to air conditioning. There are great examples of these passive strategies throughout the state, and many can be spotted around Phoenix that show building design can be done thoughtfully with the environment in mind.

While the recent surge of utilizing more recycled and highly efficient materials can have a positive impact on creating more sustainable new buildings, it’s important to note that these actions are just one part of a broader strategy to address climate change. Sustainable building designs, renewable energy sources and lifestyle changes play crucial roles in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings.

However, the simple, more passive strategies like the use of building materials such as high albedo roofing products, lighter/more reflective building skin materials and high-performing building assemblies can help to manage the heat gain of new and renovated buildings. Capitalizing on the technology and data inherently contained in current building products and using this information to assess the building energy consumption in real time and manage the building’s comfort can demand less stress on the grid.

Phoenix-based architect firms are encouraged to continue to incorporate thoughtful and sustainable project design with every new project, but the responsibility to the health, safety and welfare of future building occupants will now need to consider the changing landscape of the planet as one of the primary design parameters.

Michael W. Krentz, AIA, LEED® AP is president of DAVIS, an architecture, interiors and urban design firm specializing in timeless and contemporary residential, commercial and mixed-use public and private properties.