99% Invisible – 545- Shade Redux

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible,” titled “Shade Redux,” the focus is on the importance of shade for human comfort in hot, arid environments like Los Angeles. The lack of shade in certain areas of the city is examined, along with the social and political implications of this issue. The episode also explores various attempts to address the shade problem, including the introduction of shade structures in public transit. Join the host as they delve into the complex relationship between shade, urban design, and equity.

Main Takeaways

Importance of Shade for Human Comfort

• Shade is crucial for human comfort in hot, arid environments like Los Angeles.
• Shade is more important than air temperature, humidity, and wind speed for human thermal comfort.

Lack of Shade in Los Angeles

• Los Angeles has a serious problem with tree canopy, which follows lines of wealth.
• The city’s anti-density culture and design contribute to the lack of shade in many areas.

Spanish Architecture and Shade

• Spanish downtown was laid out according to the law of the indies, which created shade and sunlight in the right seasons.
• Spanish architecture prioritizes natural comfort, with shaded courtyards and covered walkways.

Unequal Distribution of Shade

• Shade is distributed unevenly, with wealthier neighborhoods having wider parkways and more shade.
• Property owners and renters are responsible for maintaining the parkway, not the city.

Challenges in Building Shade Structures

• Lack of shade trees in some neighborhoods has led to efforts to build in shade, but it’s difficult.
• Shade is a tripwire, and fixing shade sails to the ground requires consideration of what’s underneath the ground, including water mains and underground utilities.

Shade and Public Spaces

• Shade in public spaces like parks is important, but often overlooked in Los Angeles due to concerns about crime prevention and underground parking.
• LAPD has installed pole cameras in parks and public housing projects as part of crime prevention through environmental design, leading to the removal of street trees.

Addressing the Shade Problem

• Homeowners and residents are responsible for maintaining street trees in Los Angeles, but there is a need for the city to take a more active role in cultivating shade in public spaces.
• City needs to incentivize developers to create semi-public shaded environments.

Shade Structures in Public Transit

• Los Angeles debuted a new shade structure called Los Umbreda to help thousands of people stay cool and address gender equity.
• La Sambrida, the metal grate shaped like a surfboard, received backlash due to underwhelming design and lack of meaningful shade.
• Lawson Brita aims to address gender equity by serving female bus riders, but the small 24-inch screen bolted on the side of the road is not enough to solve the problem.

Summary

The Importance of Shade and the Lack Thereof in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, with its hot and arid climate, faces a significant challenge when it comes to providing shade for its residents. Shade is not only crucial for human comfort but also plays a vital role in maintaining thermal comfort. Unfortunately, the city has a serious problem with tree canopy, and the distribution of shade follows lines of wealth. The anti-density culture and design of the city contribute to the lack of shade in many areas. However, Spanish architecture, with its emphasis on natural comfort and shaded spaces, provides inspiration for potential solutions.

Unequal Distribution of Shade and Challenges in Building Shade Structures

Shade in Los Angeles is distributed unevenly, with wealthier neighborhoods enjoying wider parkways and more shade. Interestingly, property owners and renters are responsible for maintaining the parkway, not the city. Efforts to build shade in areas lacking tree canopy face challenges, such as the need to consider underground utilities and infrastructure. Building shade structures, such as shade sails, requires careful planning to avoid damaging essential underground systems.

Shade in Public Spaces and the Shade Problem in Public Transit

While shade in public spaces like parks is important for human comfort, it is often overlooked in Los Angeles due to concerns about crime prevention and the prioritization of underground parking. The installation of pole cameras by the LAPD has led to the removal of street trees, further exacerbating the shade problem. In an attempt to address gender equity and provide shade for public transit users, Los Angeles introduced shade structures like Los Umbreda and La Sambrida. However, these structures have faced criticism for their design and lack of meaningful shade.

Addressing the Shade Problem and the Way Forward

While homeowners and residents are responsible for maintaining street trees, there is a need for the city to take a more active role in cultivating shade in public spaces. Incentivizing developers to create semi-public shaded environments can be a step in the right direction. Additionally, expanding sidewalks, reducing space for cars, and obtaining easements on private property can help address the shade problem in public transit. Collaboration and coordination between agencies are essential in developing public spaces that serve the public holistically.

Conclusion

The lack of shade in Los Angeles is not just an issue of comfort but also one of equity. Vulnerable citizens, particularly those in lower-income neighborhoods, are disproportionately affected by the lack of shade. While minor improvements have been made, there is still much work to be done to create a city that prioritizes shade and the well-being of its residents. By recognizing the importance of shade, addressing the challenges in building shade structures, and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders, Los Angeles can create a more equitable and comfortable urban environment.