Nusser stands for multifunctional street furniture that provides shade. According to Alexander Beyer, Managing Director of Nusser, we need to focus more on a blue-green infrastructure to combat the heat in cities together. The interview with him is about the future of the city and working together on solutions.

Positive developments

Alexander Beyer, Nusser supplies a large number of cities around the world with Nusser street furniture for green and open spaces. Where do our cities stand in terms of heat management? What are you observing on the ground?

Our cities are facing considerable challenges in coping with the heat. While some cities have already made considerable progress and are implementing innovative solutions, many are still at the beginning of this process. On the ground, we are seeing heat islands emerging, particularly in densely populated areas, which are severely affecting the quality of life of residents. However, there are also positive developments, such as the increasing integration of green spaces, street furniture with integrated planters and shading elements in urban areas that contribute to cooling.

Change in people’s consciousness

Where do you think we need to go in terms of heat management? Who is responsible for this?

We need to focus on comprehensive and integrative urban planning that reduces heat islands and improves the quality of life for residents. In my view, all stakeholders are responsible here: urban planners, architects, politicians and also the citizens themselves. It is important that we work together on solutions that have sustainable and long-term effects. This includes not only technical innovations, but also a change in people’s awareness and behaviour.

Promote conservation

NUSSER has been developing street furniture for outdoor spaces for over 90 years – their experience speaks for itself. Numerous experts are currently telling us again and again that, in the course of urban growth pressure, green and open spaces in particular are having to make way for building construction projects. What assertiveness does urban green really still have today in the eternal conflict with urbanisation?

Urban greenery is often in conflict with urbanisation, and it takes strong political will and a conscious planning approach to protect and integrate green spaces. However, there are positive examples of cities consciously focussing on green infrastructure in order to improve the urban climate and increase the quality of life. Here, public initiatives, citizen participation and innovative street furniture concepts play an important role in raising awareness of the importance of green spaces and promoting their preservation.

A shared task

In your opinion, who is responsible for advocating more greenery in the city?

The responsibility lies with a large number of players. City councils and politicians must create framework conditions and promote projects that bring more greenery into cities. Architects and urban planners are called upon to integrate green elements into their designs. Landscape architects in particular can make a significant contribution to mitigating the effects of climate change and adapting to changing climatic conditions by creating sustainable, resilient and liveable environments. But citizens themselves also have an important role to play by actively championing green projects and supporting their maintenance. Ultimately, it is a joint endeavour that can only succeed if everyone involved works together.

Developing sustainable strategies

Between 2030 and 2050, around 250,000 people worldwide are expected to die every year as a result of climate change, including extreme heat. What systems, innovations and strategies would you like to see more of in international cities?

We need to focus more on blue-green infrastructure, such as vertical gardens, green roofs and city parks, which improve the microclimate and contribute to cooling. We should also focus on intelligent street furniture that is multifunctional and provides both shade and evaporative cooling. Water elements such as fountains and fog jets can also be effective. The integration of renewable energies and smart technologies that optimise the air conditioning of public spaces are also crucial measures.

In addition, it is imperative to consider water management. Natural and engineered landscapes can help to manage heavy rainfall events and prevent flooding. Rainwater gardens, permeable paving and other green infrastructure contribute to water storage and infiltration.

The aim is to develop holistic and sustainable strategies that both protect the environment and improve people’s quality of life.

Short vita

Alexander Beyer has a Master’s degree in Business Management, has worked in the street furniture sector since 2000 and has been with the NUSSER Group since 2008 – currently in the role of Managing Director.

About NUSSER

Founded over 90 years ago, Nusser Stadtmöbel GmbH & Co. KG from Winnenden stands for the creation of future-orientated living spaces through innovative street furniture. Under the vision ‘Creating living spaces for tomorrow’, Nusser Stadtmöbel develops solutions and products with wood, heart and mind.

The company offers a wide range of street furniture that impresses with its quality, functionality and design. Sustainability and environmental awareness are central aspects of production, whereby high-quality materials and environmentally friendly processes are used.

With a strong focus on quality, innovation and customer satisfaction, the company develops customised solutions for cities and municipalities. By working closely with urban planners and architects, Nusser street furniture contributes to the functional and aesthetic design of public spaces.

www.stadtmoebel.de

This interview is part of the Beat the Heat initiative, which NUSSER is supporting. Find out more about Beat the Heat here.