This summer, KTH students are taking innovation to the streets—on bicycles equipped to measure urban heat. A specially designed cargo bike with a mounted scanner is now being used to collect data on heat levels from various surfaces, such as building walls. Four KTH students will cycle through neighborhoods in Hammarby Sjöstad and Södermalm, mapping heat patterns during July and August. Joining the effort, garbage trucks in the area are also equipped with scanners to contribute to the summer’s data collection.
The project is part of a broader research initiative aimed at understanding how the city’s trees and greenery influence indoor climate. Researchers are also investigating how Stockholm residents experience indoor heat during the summer months. If you’re in Stockholm this summer—particularly in Hammarby Sjöstad, Södermalm, or Kista—you can help by answering a short survey. Your feedback will provide valuable insights into how urban heat affects daily life.
This research is a collaboration between KTH and MIT, in partnership with the City of Stockholm and ElectriCITY in Hammarby Sjöstad. By exploring how greenery and urban design impact heat, the project aims to create cooler, more sustainable cities for the future.