Linking Design Research for Passive Cooling Strategies in Self-Built Homes with Low-Income Communities to Improve Health Outcomes from Extreme Heat

This project merged the efforts of three pre-existing teams from Brazil, Burkina Faso, and Colombia to address climate change adaptation through passive cooling interventions in low-income housing. Preliminary data from Nouna, Burkina Faso, demonstrated that cool roofs significantly reduced roof surface and indoor air temperatures during the day. Collaborating with the University of Michigan and the University of Heidelberg, the project expanded to explore additional passive cooling technologies, aiming to improve thermal comfort, particularly at night. In Brazil, the project involved participatory action research with residents of São Paulo's informal settlements and focused on environmental and climate justice. Similarly, in Colombia, the partnership with local government and community leaders in Bucaramanga centered on addressing rising temperatures and indoor heat. The project employed modeling and simulation tools to optimize passive cooling strategies and enhance indoor airflow, informed by local materials and cultural practices. Through extensive collaboration and engagement with community stakeholders, the project aimed to co-develop and implement sustainable construction solutions to mitigate heat stress, improve health outcomes, and promote climate resilience in marginalized communities across the three countries.