Walking through the microclimate: potential and limits of two participatory thermal walks

Abstract

Thermal walks have emerged as a participatory experimentation method that integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Such experimentations are designed to capture real-time thermal perceptions in relation to diverse urban features, such as greenery, urban design, and morphology. However, in practice, these activities often prioritize quantitative methodologies, leaving the qualitative dimension underexplored. This article aims to bridge this gap by incorporating findings from a literature review and a case study focusing on the qualitative dimension of thermal comfort. Both enable authors to analyse the conditions and limitations of experimentation with urban heat. The paper concludes with a critical and reflective evaluation of the case study experiment and offers recommendations for urban planners to address the spatial, sensory, and social complexities of urban heat. Thermal walks cover a range of disciplinary approaches and are expanding their methodologies and goals. Heat perception data are embedded in much broader sensorial and social valuations of place. Thermal walks open a process of reflexive learning about heat and the ways to cope with it, individually and collectively. • Recruit participants from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds to capture pluralistic perceptions and meanings of heat. • Foster collaborative multi-stakeholder design involving academia, local governments, and community organizations to ensure thermal walk itineraries and research reflect community priorities. • Conduct multiple thermal walks to deepen local community engagement with heat adaptation planning and preparedness. • Refine climate adaptation solutions (e.g., greening interventions) through participatory approaches such as community-driven planting projects in the areas most in need.