This summer, China has been sizzling under intense heat waves, with July's average temperature soaring to 23.2°C—the highest since 1961. 🥵 The China Meteorological Administration warns of two more heat waves expected before mid-August. As temperatures rise, the need for innovative solutions to keep urban areas cool becomes more critical.
Experts emphasize the importance of climate adaptation in urban planning and architectural design to protect residents and mitigate the effects of climate change. Among the pioneers in this effort is Chongqing, known as one of the \"furnace cities\" in southwest China. 🌇 The city boasts numerous energy-saving buildings equipped with advanced technologies such as shading systems, enhanced ventilation, and efficient heat dissipation methods.
One standout innovation is a building in Chongqing's Bonded Port Area, featuring 10,000 square meters of smart glass that automatically responds to temperature changes. When the air temperature exceeds 35°C, the smart glass turns opaque, effectively preventing sunlight and heat from penetrating the building—a high-tech sunshade in action. 🏢☀️
Zhong Xianqiang, leader of construction projects in Chongqing's Bonded Port Area, shared with China Media Group (CMG) how the smart glass works. \"The smart glass incorporates a type of polymeric nanogel. At lower temperatures, the molecules are evenly dispersed, keeping the glass transparent and allowing sunlight to pass through,\" Zhong explained.
\"As the temperature rises, the molecules form clusters that refract and reflect sunlight across different bands. When combined with two layers of glass, this technology effectively blocks external heat,\" he added. This smart glass not only enhances comfort for building occupants but also contributes to energy efficiency by reducing reliance on air conditioning.
With cities like Chongqing leading the way, technological advancements in building materials are paving the path toward more resilient and sustainable urban environments. 🌿🔧
