How Landscape Design Can Help Combat California’s Historic Heat Wave—And the Global Heat Crisis


October 2nd, 2024

Berkeley, CA



California is experiencing one of its most intense heat waves this week, but it’s not just a local issue—it’s happening worldwide. Cities everywhere are dealing with rising temperatures, and the need for sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever. Fortunately, landscape design offers a way to fight back against the heat.

Cooling Cities with Smart Landscape Design

Urban areas are especially vulnerable to heat because of the way concrete, asphalt, and buildings trap it. But with thoughtful design—especially incorporating water features—we can create cooler, more livable spaces. Water not only adds beauty but also naturally lowers temperatures and improves air quality.

At PLAT Studio, we’ve been using water features in a variety of projects to help create cool, welcoming environments. Whether it’s in a residential garden, a shopping center, SPA pools, or a public park, water can make a big difference.

  • Residential Projects: Water features like reflection pools and swimming pools in residential projects offer both aesthetic and practical benefits. They naturally cool outdoor spaces by reducing surrounding temperatures, whether through the soothing sound of water or direct interaction. These elements help create a relaxing, comfortable environment, making outdoor areas more enjoyable even in hot weather.






  • Retail Spaces: In retail spaces, water features provide more than just a visual attraction—they help cool down hard paved plazas, making them more comfortable during hot days. The mist they release adds a cheerful, refreshing feel to the air, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. At night, with the addition of colored lighting, these features can transform a shopping area into a magical, vibrant place, enhancing the overall experience for shoppers.



  • Public Parks and Waterfronts: In public parks, water features enhance the natural cooling effect created by planting, making outdoor spaces even more enjoyable. In waterfront parks, large bodies of water play a key role in improving the microclimate by promoting wind and temperature exchange. This not only cools the surrounding area but also creates a more comfortable and pleasant environment for park visitors.



A Global Problem, A Local Solution

The heat wave in California is part of a much bigger, global issue, and cities everywhere are looking for ways to cool down. Water features, green spaces, and smart landscape design are key to making urban environments more resilient. Trees, plants, and water elements work together to reduce temperatures, save energy, and provide people with spaces they want to be in.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we’re using landscape design to beat the heat, check out our portfolio or get in touch. Let’s work together to build cooler, greener spaces.



510 883 9988
©PLAT Studio Inc., 2022
2550 Ninth Street, Suite 113A
Berkeley, California
Mark