ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Germany's Heat Strategy: Smarter Buildings, Not More AC

architecture-design · 2026-07-12

As Germany faces increasing heatwaves, the Süddeutsche Zeitung argues against relying on air conditioning, advocating instead for smarter architecture and urban heat management. The article highlights the Bosco Verticale green towers in Milan as a model and mentions a natural-fiber 'Cool Leinen' blanket as a forward-looking product. It emphasizes that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, framing the issue as a matter of physics rather than apocalypticism.

Key facts

  • Germany is becoming a hotspot for heatwaves.
  • The article argues against more air conditioning as a solution.
  • Smarter houses and public space heat management are proposed solutions.
  • Bosco Verticale in Milan is cited as an example of green architecture.
  • A natural-fiber blanket 'Cool Leinen' from Betten Rid is mentioned as a future-oriented product.
  • Extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent and severe.
  • The article frames climate change consequences as physical reality, not apocalypticism.

Entities

Institutions

  • Süddeutsche Zeitung
  • Betten Rid

Locations

  • Germany
  • Seville
  • Spain
  • Milan
  • Italy

Sources