‘Certain groups are particularly affected – people who have fewer opportunities to retreat and cool down,’ explains Reutlinger. Socially disadvantaged areas often have fewer green spaces, less shaded areas, and buildings that retain heat. Additionally, there are those who work outdoors or do not have their own homes. Heat, according to Reutlinger, makes social inequalities ‘even more visible’.
Urban heat islands and the end of the car model
Asphalt and concrete heat up and slowly release heat, turning cities into so-called ‘heat islands’ where temperatures are significantly higher than in the surrounding areas. Reutlinger sees this as the result of decades of urban planning focused on cars: ‘We have built car cities. Now we realize that this model is reaching its limits.’ The answer lies in human- centered urban development: green buildings, unsealed surfaces, usable green spaces – not just decorative greenery, but places providing shade and encouraging interaction.
Heat changes social life – and requires new responses
Prolonged warmth over several weeks, as we are currently experiencing, leads to withdrawal, isolation, and loneliness, paradoxically when social connectedness is particularly needed. In response, both short-term measures like cooling islands and open public buildings, as well as long-term urban redevelopment projects are necessary. ‘The external conditions force us to ask questions we have avoided for decades.’ A specific example from his research: In Basel – in the St. Johann and Matthäus districts – the University of Social Work FHNW is currently supporting two superblock pilot projects where street spaces are freed from car traffic and opened for neighborhood life. ‘The neighborhood thrives, people use the spaces,’ reports Reutlinger, an encouraging approach for a heat-resistant city of the future.
Interview on the topic
Complementary perspectives on the topic of heat are provided in the attached interview with social space researcher Christian Reutlinger. The contents of the interview and specific statements from it are available for media use within the scope of reporting.
Conference on the topic
How cities and neighborhoods can deal with the impacts of climate change will also be addressed at the 8th International Conference on Social Work and Urban Development. Under the theme ‘Shaping Local Climate Justice,’ questions around heat, social justice, and sustainable urban development will be discussed on 10 and 11 September 2026 in Muttenz.
Conference website link
www.fhnw.ch/plattformen/tagungstadtentwicklung/
Contact
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW School of Social Work Prof. Dr. Christian Reutlinger Professor for Urban and Health at the Institute of Social Planning, Organisational Change and Urban Development, and the Institute of Social Work and Health Hofackerstrasse 30 4132 Muttenz T +41 62 975 24 54 christian.reutlinger@fhnw.ch www.fhnw.ch/sozialearbeit Further information at www.fhnw.ch
The University of Social Work FHNW
The University of Social Work FHNW, with locations in Olten and Muttenz, is locally and regionally anchored, internationally networked, and widely recognized in its contributions to education, research, and service. Its research and development focus ‘Social Innovation’ analyzes, initiates, and supports innovation processes in cooperation and exchange with practice. It thereby promotes the professionalization of social work and significantly contributes to understanding and innovatively addressing social problems and societal challenges.
Further information at www.fhnw.ch/hsa
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
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Head of Communications FHNW
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dominik.lehmann@fhnw.ch
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