Klysen, Rachel The Social Life of Heat: Designing for connection in a warming city. [Project] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Heat waves are among the deadliest climate hazards in cities, yet their risks are often underestimated. Research shows that the people most likely to die during extreme heat are those who are isolated and socially disconnected, a growing concern as loneliness in cities rises. This project examines how social infrastructure, the physical places, facilities, and organizations that support community life and foster social connection, can help build resilience to extreme heat in Toronto. Focusing on the lived experiences of residents in St. James Town, a densely populated and diverse high-rise community, the study combines participatory design workshops, observational research, and expert interviews to explore how both physical environments and social connections shape climate adaptation strategies within communities. The findings highlight the built environment's dual role in both protecting residents from heat and fostering social networks that support collective climate resilience. By centring social connection as a strategy for promoting climate adaptation, this research demonstrates that investing in community-focused social infrastructure is crucial for creating equitable and resilient urban futures.

Item Type:	Project
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Heat Wave; Climate Adaptation; Social Infrastructure; Community Resilience; Participatory Research
Divisions:	Graduate Studies > Design for Health
Date Deposited:	10 Jun 2026 14:24
Last Modified:	10 Jun 2026 14:30
URI:	https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/5118

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