Urban design and planning for extreme heat: an empirical study of built environment professionals’ perceptions in South East Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Extreme heat is currently Australia’s deadliest natural hazard. The intensity of heat events is increasing due to climate change, and further exacerbated by urban heat islands. Urban design and planning solutions can assist in reducing heat-health risks, but they are rarely implemented. Through semi-structured interviews and an online survey, we investigated the role of such solutions in planning and urban design practice in South-East Queensland, Australia. The results showed planning professionals had lower awareness of the role urban design and planning played in heat mitigation and adaptation strategies compared to urban designers and architects. Continued professional development and a greater inclusion of heat mitigation design provisions in Queensland’s planning system and Australian planning education are outlined as future requirements.