The infrastructure, designed to provide shade and cooling through an on-demand water system, will reduce ambient temperatures by between 5 and 10 degrees on the hottest days, according to the bioclimatic studies used to support the solution. The pergola replaces the initial idea of adding an ornamental fountain, a proposal considered during the drafting of the project.
The Green Infrastructure Service ultimately chose this system because it offers more features while using less water. The artificial rain is activated by pressing a button and operates only when needed, while the structure allows pedestrian traffic to continue and creates a shaded meeting area. It will also include a water play area for children.
IT CAN LOWER TEMPERATURES BY UP TO TEN DEGREES
The pergola’s “rain” will help lower temperatures by up to ten degrees in some cases. Photo: Zaragoza City Council
The cooling system is based on the evaporation of small water droplets, which absorb heat from the air as they change from a liquid to a gaseous state. Studies on bioclimatic urban planning cited by the city council indicate temperature drops of up to 7.5 degrees in spaces equipped with misting systems, while other simulations put the reduction at between 4.6 and 7 degrees at pedestrian height. In Zaragoza, dry climatic conditions make it possible to envisage reductions of up to 10 degrees in certain circumstances.
The infrastructure will also feature solar panels on its roof, which will independently power the pergola’s LED lighting at night. Its design will preserve the mature trees already in the square, and 14 new specimens will be added, along with seven flower planters and seven shrub planters. The project thus seeks to combine shade, vegetation and cooling to improve thermal comfort in this public space during the hottest months.
Work on the external redevelopment of San Miguel square is now entering its final phase, and the city’s objective is for the space to open to the public before the upcoming Fiestas del Pilar. However, the official inauguration will have to wait until some elements are completed, including the planting of the new planters and trees. The renovation has also included the renewal of underground services, wider sidewalks, accessibility improvements and archaeological work to ensure the preservation of remains found during the excavations.
