Tackling heat mitigation for a cooler Darwin
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We are surveying Darwin residents about how, when and why they use green spaces in their city. The online survey is open now to Darwin residents, and takes 15-20 minutes to complete. Please participate and share the link!
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You’re invited to a free online webinar about Digital Twins. Digital Twins provide a powerful approach to create a virtual representation of Darwin. The webinar is on Thursday 27 May 2021 - 3.30pm to 4.30pm ACST.
The Darwin Living Lab has a goal to work collaboratively, to expand its networks, and to increase knowledge of heat mitigation responses in Darwin for a cooler future.
In February, the Lab teamed up with the University of New South Wales and RMIT University to deliver a series of Citizen Science workshop sessions at the Darwin Waterfront. Participants performed microclimate measurements aimed at understanding the importance of material selection, wind and water in reducing the build-up of heat in the city.
During March to May, the Lab supported the Northern Territory Government in delivering the Heat Mitigation display in the Activate Darwin Hub in the Smith Street Mall. This included providing science content and materials for interactive displays to inform the community on efforts to cool the city. The Heat Mitigation Open Day (held on Saturday 27th March) attracted more than 500 community members.
As part of the material developed for the Heat Mitigation display, CSIRO produced two films. If you missed the event the films can be accessed using the following links. Check out Darwin-based capability to map city structures in three dimensions: Using a 3D laser scanner (LiDAR) from a rooftop in Darwin. Also, take a trip around Greater Darwin to explore: Where are the hot and cool spots in Darwin?
The Darwin Living Lab welcomes CSIRO’s Stephen Cook to the role of Local Coordinator, while Nerida Horner (who will still be involved in the Lab) moves to CSIRO Townsville soon for exciting new opportunities . Stephen is based at CSIRO Berrimah and has been involved in the Darwin Living Lab since its inception. He has most recently led the project to deliver Your Tropical City website (see below). Stephen is an urban scientist with a background in water-sensitive urban design and is currently undertaking an industry-based PhD with Swinburne University on the delivery of spatially-equitable urban services (e.g. water, transport, energy). You will hopefully see Stephen around Darwin a whole lot more.
We also have two new faces on the Darwin Living Lab Management Committee. The Management Committee has representation from CSIRO and the three levels of government. We have recently seen the appointment of Michael Heard (A/Secretary City Deals Division) as the representative for the Commonwealth DITRDC, taking over from Adam Stankevicius, and Jo Smallacombe (Director Cities, Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet) NT Government, taking over from Janet Hanigan.
The DLL partnership has progressed a web-based resource (Your Tropical City) that seeks to progress understanding of best practice in urban design for Darwin’s wet-dry tropical climate. More specifically, it celebrates Darwin’s attributes and highlights opportunities to improve thermal comfort and liveability both within buildings and public open space within the Darwin CBD.
On the 28th April partners and members of the DLL Advisory Group were invited for a preview and launch of the website. The site, while being live will continue to be updated as knowledge emerges from experiences with the Darwin Living Lab.