Burning Cities: Architecture as a Response
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) defines a heat wave as a period when local excess heat accumulates over a series of hot days and nights. The WMO and WHO classify heat waves as one of the most dangerous natural disasters. Experts came to this conclusion after assessing the mortality rate from heat in the summer of 2022, when abnormally high air temperatures led to the deaths of more than 60 people in European countries. Most of the dead were urban residents, as temperatures in cities can be 5–10 °C higher than in non-urban areas.
How did cities become heat traps, or rather heat islands? The increase in the number of floors, the number of pavements and roads has led to the fact that millions of square meters of additional surfaces have appeared within the old boundaries, which accumulate solar heat during the day and give it away at night. The increase in the frequency and intensity of hot days caused by global warming is intensifying the effect of the urban heat island (UHI). Although this feature is an advantage in winter, it creates problems in summer. June 2025 was cool in Europe, but by early July in the cities of southern Spain the temperature reached +46 °C. The difference from comfortable air temperature to extremely high can occur in a matter of hours - and this is also a characteristic feature of the climate of recent years. These numbers are not just statistics, but a signal to rethink architecture and urban planning.
The architecture of southern cities has historically been focused on keeping cool and protecting from the active sun. Photo: Heidi Kaden / Unsplash
Architects of the past, from Tuscan farmers to African builders, masterfully resisted the heat with simple but effective solutions. Deep eaves, narrow windows, wooden shutters and massive stone walls kept houses cool without wasting a single watt of energy. In the Mediterranean, recessed balconies and light facades enhanced the albedo effect - the ability of surfaces to reflect sunlight, which reduced heating. White roofs, popular in hot regions, reflected up to 90% of the sun's energy, maintaining a comfortable microclimate.
The increase in the number of floors, the number of paving stones and roads has led to the fact that cities have additional millions of square meters of surfaces that accumulate solar heat during the day and give it away at night.
Unlike the inhabitants of southern countries, Europeans living in the temperate zone have almost no historical experience of combating summer heat. Generations of efforts have been aimed at making homes as warm as possible in winter, while the sun was a welcome guest in interiors. The housing stock, designed in the second half of the 2050th century to preserve heat in winter, is not designed for hot summers. The fashion for the Scandinavian style in architecture over the past few decades has led to the appearance of thousands of new houses with maximized insolation in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. In France, the Czech Republic and Germany, air conditioning is historically not used in apartment buildings. In the capitals - Paris, Prague and Berlin - there is even a ban on hanging blocks on the facades of not only old but also new buildings. This rule is due to the fact that the blocks violate the city design code, and electricity is expensive. A developer must go through a series of approvals to get a permit for a project that includes air conditioning, and approval is often denied. With climate change, the effects of overheating go beyond discomfort: heat in apartments deprives people of sleep, reduces productivity and increases the risk of heat stress, especially for the elderly, children and people with chronic diseases. The sixth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that by XNUMX, about half of Europe’s population — in the south, west and east — will be at high risk of heat stress. Forecasters are working to improve early warning systems, and doctors are monitoring the health effects of heat. Architects could act.
The sun in balance: passive strategies for modern facades
Henrik Schoenefeldt, professor of sustainable architecture at the University of Kent (UK), says in his lectures: if the modern obsession with glass facades has led to the creation of “giant greenhouses”, then why not first of all remember the methods that have traditionally been used to create microclimates? For example, the walls of the famous Crystal Palace, which became a symbol of the industrial revolution of the late 19th century, were shaded by movable canvas screens. Schoenefeldt believes that architects should integrate passive strategies, such as building orientation, shading and natural ventilation, at the early stages of design to avoid dependence on energy-intensive systems.
A modern apartment building in Tartu, Estonia, built in 2008 by architects Atelier Thomas Pucher and Bramberger, who were inspired by modernist architecture and Le Corbusier. The orientation of the building and the sun angles create balanced insolation for each apartment. Photo: Liisbet Jarviste
The idea is not new: Le Corbusier, who perceived and explained architecture as a "wonderful play of volumes in the sun," solved the problem of hyperinsolation by decorating his laconic facades with sunshades, which gave orthogonal buildings dynamism and created an interesting chiaroscuro pattern. Constructive sun protection became an integral feature of the resort style and a feature of cities in hot climates: perforated shells, vertical and horizontal ribs, white walls. Many people do not even think about the function of concrete "swimmers" on the facade, considering them decoration. For example, the sunshades were dismantled from the facade of the Ministry of Social Policy building on Esplanadnaya in Kyiv, which turned the modernist building into an ordinary skyscraper, now "decorated" with dozens of air conditioners. The sunshades were allegedly in a state of disrepair, and despite protests from the Save Kyiv Modernism organization, they were never restored.
Architecture that ignores challenges is losing its relevance, believes Oleksiy Sverchkov, Commercial Director of Schüco Ukraine: "Yes, this is a truly fundamental question - how will we minimize the effects of solar impact on modern architecture? The approach to this topic has long gone beyond the banal choice of the type of double-glazed window or curtains. The architecture of the future is a synthesis of form, function, and responsibility to the climate and people. Passive light control methods traditionally include external aluminum slats, double-glazed windows with selective spraying, as well as atypical geometric solutions for external slopes. A striking example is the Tip of Nordø object, where engineering-based forms work as part of the overheating protection system."
The offices at Tip of Nordø, another landmark building by Cobe, Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects and Tredje Natur in Copenhagen's architectural collection, are distinguished by their comfortable environment. Photo: Jakob Holmqvist, Vilhelm Lauritzen Arkitekter
The new office building Tip of Nordø in Copenhagen, designed by the architectural team Cobe, Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects and Tredje Natur, is an example of an innovative approach to light and heat management. The cylindrical facade is assembled using the Schüco FWS 50 system with modular elements. It was designed after a thorough analysis of the solar radiation in the Nordhavn harbor, ensuring the optimal balance between natural light and protection against overheating. Narrower elements on the west, south and east sides reduce glare, while the northern part of the facade opens up to panoramic views of Øresund. This dynamic structure minimizes heat gain and creates a distinctive architectural image.
Oleksiy Sverchkov, commercial director of Schüco Ukraine
“The integration of external decorative elements into the facade requires careful design already at the architectural concept stage,” explains Oleksiy Sverchkov. “It’s not just about the expressiveness or plasticity of the facade, but also about how these elements are fixed to the supporting structures of the building. In most cases, the load from the external lamellas is transferred through special integrated brackets directly to the supporting posts of the mullion-transom facade or — in the case of element facades — to the supporting frames. Such technical solutions, for example, have been successfully implemented at the Tip of Nordø facilities in Copenhagen and Masaryčka in Prague.”
The key task when designing facades of complex shapes is to ensure the correct distribution of loads and not to violate the tightness or thermal insulation of the shell.
Masaryčka, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with Jakub Cigler Architekti, is a mixed-use development in the centre of Prague, transforming the brownfield site of the former Masaryk Railway Station into a vibrant urban hub. The 28 m² complex includes offices, retail and public spaces, connected by a park on a raised platform. With a focus on sustainability, Masaryčka uses local materials, rainwater harvesting and smart management to reduce energy consumption, aiming for LEED Platinum certification. The Schüco FWS 000 façade system with decorative ribs emphasises the original architectural image, which is in harmony with the historic spires of the Old Town. It can be considered a modern reinterpretation of Gothic, and above all the vertical slats act as sun visors – no longer simple orthogonal modernist protective elements, but created using new BIM design technologies.
Vertical slats give the Masaryčka building, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with Jakub Cigler Architekti, an upward dynamic while simultaneously blocking excessive sunlight. Photo: BoysPlayNice
Oleksiy Sverchkov: “The key task when designing facades of complex shapes is to ensure the correct transfer of loads and not to violate the tightness or thermal insulation of the shell. After all, each bracket is a through violation of the building's thermal circuit. In critical areas, we use fiberglass fasteners with low thermal conductivity, which allows us to avoid point heat losses. From an architectural point of view, it is also important to foresee the shape and aerodynamic properties of the slats themselves. They should not cause vibrations under wind load or accumulate pollution. In cases with perforations or technical openings, additional protective elements are provided, in particular to prevent bird nesting. Moreover, such fastening systems are used not only for sun protection elements. In practice, they provide reliable and safe placement of various types of external structures — from advertising signs to service ladders for facade maintenance. This opens up additional opportunities for architects to integrate functional ideas into the facade without losing the integrity of the composition. We have conducted dozens of tests of such solutions and developed clear instructions for their reliable implementation. This approach allows architects to maintain the purity of the idea without sacrificing technical reliability. In projects with non-standard geometry or atypical arrangement of elements, we always recommend mock-ups or full-scale tests. This approach allows you to check the behavior of the facade in operational conditions in advance.
The Schuco USC 65 element facade with horizontal fins keeps employees of the La Forgiatura corporate campus in Milan comfortable even on hot summer days. Photo: Stefano Topuntoli
Conductors of light: active systems to combat heat
Passive methods of sun protection, although effective, in today's climate often give way to the challenges of hot summers. Architects are turning to active systems - real conductors of light and heat. Roller blinds, roller shutters or even classic blinds are becoming key players, divided into external and internal solutions. External systems are the first line of defense, intercepting solar energy before it turns the room into a greenhouse. Internal ones play the role of elegant filters, taming glare and creating an atmosphere of comfort and privacy. In residential architecture, individual control of the microclimate is becoming not a luxury, but a necessity.
A recent example of the integration of passive and active solutions is the shading in the DC Tower 3 apartment complex in Vienna, designed by Dietrich | Untertrifaller Architekten and implemented by Alu-Sommer GmbH. The Schüco FWS 50 facade system with integrated vertical slats provides passive protection by blocking excessive solar radiation and reducing heat gain. Active elements, in particular the automated Schüco ALB external blinds, dynamically respond to changes in the angle of the sun's rays, providing up to 23% shading and optimizing natural light.
Windows in the apartments of the DC Tower 3 residential complex in Vienna, designed by Dietrich | Untertrifaller Architekten, are protected by automatically controlled blinds. Photo: Martin Winkler
"The architect must take into account which solutions will be implemented even at the facade concept stage, because the integration of sun protection systems into the facade structure requires a comprehensive approach. For example, when designing external slats, it is necessary to take into account the angles of insolation at different times of the day and year. These data form the basis for calculating the optimal angle of inclination of the slats and determine their effective dimensions. A close look at such external structures immediately reveals: there are no random solutions here. All angles, shapes and proportions of external structural elements are subject to strict geometric logic. It is based on the desire for optimal reflection of solar radiation and ensuring thermal comfort for building users. In a number of objects, the slats are movable and controlled by an electric drive. Control is carried out automatically via signals from solar sensors, which allows the system to dynamically respond to changes in the position of the sun during the day. Such solutions in the Schüco product line are designated ALB active (Aluminium Louvre Blades)."
Maximized panoramic glazing in combination with an external blind system allows for flexible control of the microclimate of internal spaces. Photo courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
Another trend in modern architecture is the multifunctionality of facades, which turns them into real works of engineering art. The external slats become platforms for photovoltaic panels that capture sunlight and transform it into electricity. This is a step towards energy independence and reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, which resonates with the idea of a sustainable future. No less important is the factor of sound absorption: thanks to the shape and massiveness, these structures drown out city noise, creating an oasis of comfort. Thus, the architect gets a double victory: reducing the heat load and the harmony of silence.
When designing external slats, it is necessary to take into account the angles of insolation at different times of the day and year. This data forms the basis for calculating the optimal angle of inclination of the slats and determines their effective dimensions.
“In recent years, Schüco has been actively implementing the ZDS (Zip Design Screen) system — these are external fabric curtains that are easily integrated into any solutions: from standard windows and doors to large areas on glass facades. The area of one canvas can reach 12 m², while the degree of shading is up to 23%, and wind resistance is up to 25 m/s (9–10 points on the Beaufort scale, which corresponds to a strong storm). There are surface-mounted installation options, but the most aesthetically pleasing and technically proven solution is to integrate the cassette with the canvas into the interfloor overlap area. In this way, the purity of the architectural line of the facade is preserved without any compromises in terms of functionality. So, today the architect has a wide arsenal of tools at his disposal to combat overheating of buildings,” explains Oleksiy Sverchkov.
For external blinds, not only aluminum but also textiles can be used. Photo courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
The Commercial Director of Schüco Ukraine is confident that in the conditions of climate change and the increase in average annual temperatures, the demand for high-quality real estate that provides comfort at any time of the year will grow, and the reduction in energy costs for cooling will pay off the initial investment in facade engineering in the medium term: “If someone believes that external fabric roller blinds spoil the aesthetics of the facade, this is an open question. The variety of textures and colors of modern fabric canvases, on the contrary, allows you to form an expressive architectural image of the building, adding individuality and recognition to it. And as confirmation, the Red Dot Design Award 2021, which the Schüco ZDS system received. This recognition has become a landmark for the entire industry, emphasizing: sun protection is more than technology, it is part of architecture.”
Concealed installation of a cassette with a Zip Design Screen textile fabric. Photo courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
Shading systems can be hidden. Another example is the Deutschlandhaus office center in Hamburg, designed by Hadi Teherani Architects and implemented in a dense urban environment. The hidden sun protection system with Schüco ALB automated blinds is integrated into the structure and effectively regulates light transmission. This allows for maintaining a microclimate while maintaining the minimalist aesthetics of the building.
Dancing with the Shadow: How Ukraine Learns to Tame the Sun
Ukraine, with its changeable climate, requires architecture to be flexible and foresightful. Heat waves, when the country is suddenly covered by abnormally exhausting heat, have become commonplace. However, Ukrainian developers and investors often underestimate sun protection, considering it excessive, and shift the responsibility for comfort to tenants or owners. As a result, the facades of new buildings very quickly become overgrown with unplanned additions - chaotic blinds, multi-colored awnings and air conditioning units spoil the aesthetics of the facades and do not always effectively solve the problem of overheating. Such an approach not only reduces the architectural value of buildings, but also threatens the energy system, because the mass use of air conditioners can provoke blackouts. How to find a smart solution that combines efficiency, aesthetics and sustainability?
Oleksiy Sverchkov shares insights: “Shading becomes critically important in the warm season, when walls and roofs heat up to temperatures even above 50 degrees. For example, dark facades absorb up to 95% of solar energy, which can lead to surface heating up to 70–90°C at an air temperature of 30–40°C. In modern realities, this period in Ukraine can last from April to October. To choose the optimal solution, we analyze a number of factors: the region and location of the building, its number of floors, building density, orientation relative to the cardinal points, the trajectory of the sun's rays, and even the risk of freezing in winter. The depth of the premises and their functional purpose also play a key role. Based on this data, we determine what is more effective: decorative slats or roll systems. Our portfolio offers solutions for any climatic conditions and facade shapes. For example, the Merx office center in Kyiv is equipped with electrically operated roller blinds, the A-Station residential complex uses sun protection slats, and the Unbroken rehabilitation center in Lviv uses Schüco FACID textile panels. These projects prove that thoughtful sun protection becomes part of the architectural identity.”
The Schüco FACID textile facade system became part of the new image for one of the Unbroken hospital buildings in Lviv. Photo: Yuriy Ferendovych
The Unbroken project in Lviv, implemented as part of the reconstruction of the polyclinic building of the municipal city clinical emergency hospital of St. Panteleimon, has become a symbol of not only physical, but also architectural rehabilitation. As described in detail in the PRAGMATIKA.MEDIA article “Architectural rehabilitation within the framework of the Unbroken project: FACID for the comfort of the unbreakable”, this project combines a humanistic mission with innovative solutions. The Schüco FACID textile facade system, consisting of profiles, accessories and unique clamps, allows you to create complex spatial structures with a perfectly stretched canvas that retains strength and aesthetics throughout its entire service life. This system has become a key element of light control, providing comfort for those undergoing rehabilitation, while emphasizing the architectural expressiveness of the building.
Yuriy Rubakha, CEO of ZFB
Yuriy Rubakha, CEO of ZFB, which implemented the reconstruction of the building with the integration of sun protection solutions into the facade, talks about the challenges and achievements of this project: “ZFB has extensive experience working with Schüco systems. However, the Unbroken project was a new challenge for us, as we used the Schüco FACID textile facade system for the first time. This required not only technical experience, but also a creative approach to integration. One of the most difficult tasks was to create a specialized metal frame that holds the sun protection elements at different angles, forming a unique visual concept. We did not just adapt the system to the facade, but woven it into the architectural concept of the building, combining functionality with aesthetics. In the Ukrainian climate with its hot summers and cold winters, Schüco systems allow us to achieve energy efficiency: in summer they protect against overheating, reducing air conditioning costs, and in winter they provide controlled insolation. Some solutions even convert sunlight into electricity, becoming an active tool for sustainable development. In Ukraine, we often face atypical tasks, and our approach is individual solutions that harmonize functionality, aesthetics, and climatic features.”
In the Ukrainian climate with its hot summers and cold winters, Schüco systems allow for energy efficiency: in summer they protect against overheating, reducing air conditioning costs, and in winter they provide controlled insolation.
FACID canvases are mounted on a metal frame that was individually designed for the renovation project of the old polyclinic. Photo: Yuriy Ferendovych
The future of facades: a synthesis of tradition and innovation
Modern architecture balances on the border between the past and the future, drawing inspiration from folk traditions and natural mechanisms, while at the same time arming itself with advanced technologies. Massive walls of adobe houses or ventilation systems inspired by termite mounds with networks of underground air duct tunnels are combined with innovations that transform buildings into active participants in sustainable development.
“All elements of opening facades — windows, doors, transoms — can be woven into the “smart home” ecosystem. They work according to scenarios that take into account the season, time of day, or even the user’s mood, ensuring the perfect balance of light. Schüco sun protection systems, from automated blinds to textile facades, are easily connected to centralized control systems, allowing the building to breathe in unison with the needs of its residents,” explains Oleksiy Sverchkov.
This synthesis of technologies opens up new horizons for multifunctional facades that protect from the sun and also generate energy or purify the air. Lamellas with integrated photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity, reducing the carbon footprint, and perforated panels dampen urban noise. The Schüco FACID NOX innovation, presented at the BAU 2025 exhibition in Munich, is impressive: textile facades with a catalytic coating neutralize nitrogen oxides, improving air quality in cities. The pilot project was implemented in Cologne, in cooperation with the Cologne City Hall and the Lebendige Stadt foundation. A photocatalytic facade was installed on the building of an adult education center. The first prototype of the system was already tested in Hamburg in 2021. Within two months of operation, a 30% decrease in the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the air was detected. Thanks to its micro-perforation, FACID NOX provides shade while maintaining transparency from the inside, and easily adapts to complex shapes, making it ideal for renovations.
Delicate sun protection is an organic addition to the unique facade of the Dragon Park Lviv center, which was made by ZFB using the technology of baking paint into the glass structure. Photo provided by ZFB
Oleksiy Sverchkov emphasizes the prospects of such solutions: “Since April 2024, a facade with a total area of about 320 m² (two panels of 8 × 20 m) has been installed on a building in the center of Cologne. Externally, it is no different from the classic Schüco FACID textile facade: the same high architectural expressiveness, the same functional adaptability. The system offers maximum freedom of form - the possibility of implementing both 2D and 3D geometries, adaptation to various supporting substructures, as well as quick installation without interfering with the building structure. This makes FACID NOX an ideal solution for renovations and revitalization, where speed of implementation and minimal impact on the existing structure are critically important. The main innovation is the application of a special active composition to the textile, which catalytically converts nitrogen oxides into safe nitrates. After precipitation, nitrates are washed off the facade surface and enrich the soil with minerals.
Real-world experiment: Schüco FACID NOX facade on a building in Cologne not only protects the walls, but also purifies the air from exhaust gases thanks to a special coating. Photo courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
The potential of sun protection systems is huge, and we are only beginning to discover it. FACID NOX or lamellas with photovoltaics are protection from heat, as well as a step towards energy independence and environmental responsibility. We see how these technologies are changing the approach to design.”
Synthesis of technologies opens up new horizons for multifunctional facades that protect from the sun, generate energy or purify the air
In a world where cities are heating up faster than the planet, architecture is no longer an art form but a strategic tool for survival. Horizon Europe research shows that targeted greening and reflective surfaces can reduce urban temperatures by 1–3°C, reducing the risk of heat stress for millions. But the real breakthrough lies in synergy: combining greening with facades and roofs that reflect the sun’s rays and adapt to weather changes in real time. Modular facades with integrated sensors or air-purifying textile systems transform buildings into active allies of nature. From Vienna to Lviv, from Cologne to Copenhagen, architecture is rethinking the urban environment, creating spaces where comfort, sustainability and beauty coexist, allowing cities to confront climate change. And this can no longer be ignored.
