Community Use and Perceptions of Climate Shelters in Schoolyards in Barcelona

Abstract

Objectives: This study explores the use and perceptions of thermal comfort and wellbeing among the local community in the schoolyards in Barcelona that had been transformed into accessible climate shelters. Methods: We conducted a qualitative evaluation through a spontaneous ethnographic approach, combining 22 non-participant observations in the 11 transformed schoolyards with brief spontaneous interviews with 76 users and 18 caretakers who supervised the schoolyards during non-school days (June-July 2022). We conducted a thematic content analysis. We analyzed user characteristics, thermal comfort and wellbeing, activities and differences by age and gender, social behavior, additional benefits, and areas for improvement. Results: Adapted schoolyards were mostly visited by families and groups of adolescents with a higher proportion of boys. Participants reported that shade provided coolness and comfort, vegetation offered pleasant and naturalized environments, and water features were enjoyed for their cooling capacity and play opportunities. Schoolyards were mainly used as places for outdoor recreation and socialization. Conclusion: This study provides policymakers with evidence to support the transformation of schoolyards into climate shelters, creating comfortable outdoor recreational areas for the surrounding urban community.