Adaptation of Town Halls and Municipal Authority Buildings to Climate Change
Abstract: Town hall or municipal authority building is one of the most important objects in any urban structure. It has an irreplaceable role in public life – it serves as a center of the local community; a place of meeting and gathering. Since the medieval age the town hall has been a symbol – firstly of middle-class independence, later of higher-class political representation. Nowadays it has become a symbol of democracy, and it serves mainly to the community. Contemporary town halls might be described as opened, transparent and accessible. Town hall has become a manifestation of contemporary currents and structures in society. One of the currents these days is undoubtfully environmental consciousness and awareness. This paper is focused on how latest European adaptive strategies and adaptive measures are applied on town halls and municipal authority buildings across European towns. The research describes the most important environmental threats regarding the urban structures caused by the climate change as urban heat island or water shortage. It also analyzes how several adaptation measures like green and blue infrastructure or technical improvements of the structure are effective in combating these problems and how they can be applied on town halls and local municipal authority buildings. Few examples of these buildings are thoroughly described – new structures as well as renovations from Germany, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, or the Czech Republic. Some of these examples do not only combine several adaptive measures but also elaborate principles of circular economy and methods of reducing carbon footprint. Technological adjustments or green and blue principles are shown not only as a ladder to more sustainable future but also as impressing architectural features improving the overall value of these public buildings.
