Livability in the Shadows

The Thermocity project approaches urban development in Las Vegas from the perspective of heat and microclimates. The Downtown Project is creating a walkable and livable downtown environment, but no amount of sidewalk improvement will make a 110F parking lot in direct sun livable.

So I ask: How can we encourage Downtowns major stakeholders to consider shade as a factor of livability? How can these stakeholders themselves improve the local microclimate?
Thermocity identifies Downtowns most shade-protected areas, as well as areas most vulnerable to direct sun. This tool is packaged in three distinct bundles to uniquely serve three major stakeholders: Developers, Businesses, and the City. Each bundle includes three major components, a document with background information and economic analysis, a series of thermal maps, and an interactive model of Downtown Las Vegas with adjustable shadows based on time of day. Each bundle contains the tools to empower stakeholders to analyze the benefits of shade and local climate to their own interests. Economic data recommendations are given to help inform the decisions of stakeholders.

Moving Forward:
This version of Thermocity provides stakeholders with simple tools to understand shaded microclimates in Downtown Las Vegas, and the next step would be to continue to compel stakeholders with evidence in support of livability, walkability, and shaded microclimates. Currently Thermocity is only the tip of the iceberg in what could prove a very long and productive conversation.