With Europe facing longer, hotter summers, Romanian firm Green Parking Solutions has devised a project designed to mitigate the impact of urban heat. First conceived as an architectural idea, it has since evolved into a practical programme now entering deployment.
This is not just a futuristic vision but a ready-to-use, sustainable system, designed specifically for cities and capable of delivering a measurable improvement in thermal comfort.
Beyond parking: creating cooler, greener cities
At the heart of the concept are modular “green parking lots” – multi-purpose structures that lower ambient temperatures, generate shade, and reduce the risk of overheating in dense urban zones. Each unit integrates resilient vegetation, water-permeable materials, and rainwater harvesting technology.
Suitable for neighbourhoods, public plazas, and retail areas, these installations enhance the urban environment visually and functionally. They help control surface water, reduce pollution, and also provide ecological support, including shelter for native bird populations.
A key feature is their ability to be introduced without large-scale infrastructure changes, making them an attractive, flexible option for municipalities seeking practical climate solutions.
From vision to practice
“What sets this project apart is that it has moved beyond the design phase. We are no longer just planning—it’s already being implemented,” explained Valentin Rusu, Founder of Green Parking Solutions.
“Our aim was to offer a concrete solution that could be tested and replicated quickly, moving beyond preliminary concepts. These structures are durable, easy to maintain, and most importantly, they deliver measurable outcomes—especially during periods of extreme summer heat,” he added.
Addressing the heat island effect
Urban heat islands – where dense built environments are significantly hotter than rural areas – are becoming a pressing challenge worldwide. Surfaces like asphalt absorb heat, while the scarcity of greenery removes natural cooling. This increases cooling energy demand, reduces air quality, and heightens health risks.
Green parking offers an immediate response, complementing long-term climate strategies with quick, visible interventions in high-footfall urban areas.
With this project, Green Parking Solutions is proposing an innovative form of resilient urban infrastructure that can be deployed quickly and deliver immediate value.
Cities of the future will need to adapt to a changing climate as much as they adopt digital technologies. This concept shows how a small change – like greening a car park – can deliver large-scale impact.
The rollout is expected to begin in 2025, with municipalities, developers, and civic institutions seen as the primary adopters.
