What approach does landscape architecture take to combat urban heat?

In landscape architecture, combating urban heat is primarily addressed by incorporating reflective surfaces. Reflective surfaces can include light-colored materials that reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect, where cities tend to be warmer than surrounding areas due to human activities and infrastructure.

Using reflective materials in various elements, such as pavement, roofs, and walls, contributes to lower surface and air temperatures. This approach not only helps to cool the environment but also enhances energy efficiency by reducing the need for air conditioning in buildings, leading to lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast, aggressive removal of trees would exacerbate urban heat since trees provide shade and cool the air through transpiration. Maximizing concrete surfaces would also contribute to higher temperatures, as concrete and similar materials absorb and retain heat. Lastly, reducing parks and green spaces would diminish the natural cooling effects they provide, leading to increased urban heat. Thus, incorporating reflective surfaces is the most effective strategy in landscape architecture to combat urban heat.