Berlin's inaugural Cooling Center now operational, offering refuge from excessive heat
In the heart of Berlin, a new initiative aimed at combating urban heatwaves is taking shape. The **Urban Heat Labs project** in Berlin, a model undertaking focusing on heat prevention in urban areas and buildings, has recently launched its pilot project – the **Cooling Point** in Mauerpark.
Funded by the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building, this project is part of the "Experimental Housing and Urban Development" programme. The Cooling Point, located in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, is a 25 square meter installation designed to offer public cooling and heat relief.
The Cooling Point is a barrier-free and free-to-use facility, open to all members of the public. It provides shaded seating and access to cool water, making it an ideal spot for respite during hot weather. This temporary infrastructure measure is expected to remain in operation until mid-October 2025.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to enhance the Cooling Point. By 2026, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) aims to introduce misting technology to provide an additional layer of refreshment on hot days.
The Mauerpark Cooling Point is not just a standalone project; it is part of the broader city heat resilience and prevention strategies. Its immediate objective is to offer a functional, accessible way for residents and visitors to find relief from heat. Simultaneously, it serves as a platform for gathering practical experience for future expansions and technical upgrades.
This initiative is part of a wider context of urban climate adaptation projects in Europe, aiming to create replicable and scalable urban resilience solutions by integrating technical innovation, governance, and community involvement. The Mauerpark Cooling Point is a testament to Berlin's commitment to adapting urban spaces for better coping with rising temperatures and heatwaves, ultimately improving public health and comfort during extreme heat events.
Everyone is welcome to use the Cooling Point in the public space. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, you're invited to experience this pioneering heat relief initiative in the vibrant city of Berlin.
- The Urban Heat Labs project in Berlin, with its focus on heat prevention in urban areas and buildings, also plans to integrate 'fitness-and-exercise' and 'health-and-wellness' into its strategies by considering the potential for cooling effects of green spaces and physical activity during hot weather.
- To further emphasize the project's comprehensive approach, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) envisions the expansion of the Cooling Point beyond heat relief, incorporating elements of 'environmental-science' through sustainability initiatives, such as water management, solar energy, and waste reduction in the installation's operations, ultimately promoting a healthier urban ecosystem.
