Art vs. Heat

This project was published in the American geozine "Heat Diary - issue 2: practices". For the curators, I explored the relationship between extreme heat, an ever-increasing threat due to climate change, and urban spaces in Lyon. For this, I wanted to focus my attention on the art installation "Tissage urbain" on one of the city's most heat-prone squares, the place Bellecour. The installation, beyond being decorative, represents a concrete case of a city attempting to adapt its public space to extreme climate conditions.

Tissage Urbain ("urban weaving") consists of large, brightly-coloured panels of fabric - a nod to Lyon's past as a bastion of silk weaving. They spend shade to passers-by.
Tissage Urbain ("urban weaving") consists of large, brightly-coloured panels of fabric - a nod to Lyon's past as a bastion of silk weaving. They spend shade to passers-by.
The artwork is also equipped with mist dispensers - much to the joy of local children. On a sweltering August afternoon, this girl was playing in the mist without a care, ignoring the 40 degrees on the thermometer.
The artwork is also equipped with mist dispensers - much to the joy of local children. On a sweltering August afternoon, this girl was playing in the mist without a care, ignoring the 40 degrees on the thermometer.
The place Bellecour has long been a topic of controversy within local politics. The largest square in the city, covered with red sand reminiscent of a tennis court, it is notorious for the heat that accumulates there in the summer. But no trees can be planted on its surface due to an underground parking lot and the subway.
The place Bellecour has long been a topic of controversy within local politics. The largest square in the city, covered with red sand reminiscent of a tennis court, it is notorious for the heat that accumulates there in the summer. But no trees can be planted on its surface due to an underground parking lot and the subway.
Fourvière Cathedral, one of the central landmarks of Lyon, in the background.
Fourvière Cathedral, one of the central landmarks of Lyon, in the background.
Tissage Urbain on the place Bellecour seen from the Fourvière hill.
Tissage Urbain on the place Bellecour seen from the Fourvière hill.