Visulisation of the Berne Gartenstadt project. Photo: White Architects
Nordic innovators adapting to extreme heat Parts of Europe have been engulfed in extreme heat in the past few months, with the first heatwave starting back in May. As Denmark records an all-time high temperature record, Nordic innovators are at the forefront of adapting to extreme heat. By Anders Lorenzen
Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world. While the Nordic region represents the coolest part of continental Europe overall, the heat has also been noted here, with sudden temperature spikes.
ture records, the country is also pioneering technologies which are helping us to better adapt to a warming world.
How is the Nordic region adapting to a warming climate?
Denmark pioneered triple and quadruple glazing before double-glazing had even become trendy. You may wonder, how does this help deal with extreme heat? There is a common misconception that extra glazed windows are only suitable for keeping homes warm, but it goes the other way as well; while these windows retain heat in winter, they can reduce how much heat is entering during summer.
While Denmark, as well as other Nordic countries, has a strong record in leading the way in transitioning away from the fossil fuels that is the leading cause of climate-fuelled extreme heat and tempera-
This technology has contributed to homes in the region becoming more energy-efficient, creating more comfortable homes that are adapted to a warming climate.
For instance, in Denmark a new all timehigh temperature record of 37.0°C was set in June, beating the previous record of 36.4°C from 1975 that had stood for over 50 years.
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Issue 193
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August 2026
Designing for a warming climate The leading role that the Nordic region plays is not only thanks to having forward-looking entrepreneur-focused companies and strong relations to the design sector, but also due to having strong building regulations and policies in place, as well as governments having prioritised investments for decades. Solutions by companies, innovators and organisations extend far beyond the Nordic region. For instance, Denmark’s Ramboll, an engineering, architecture and consultancy company that operates across the world, has contributed to major infrastructure and landmark developments, including work on the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden, the Great Belt Bridge, the Copenhagen Opera House and the extension of the Tate Modern in London. The company, with headquarters in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, is recognised for its engineering, environmental consulting,