How does the shape of a city influence the climate we experience every day?
On a hot summer afternoon, some London streets feel noticeably cooler than others. Some spaces catch the breeze, while others trap heat. Some trees thrive, while others struggle. These differences are not accidental. They are shaped by the form of the city itself.
Join architect, researcher and urban climate specialist Dr Julie Futcher for a unique walking tour that explores the City of London as a living climate laboratory. Through direct observation and discussion, this research-led walk reveals how buildings, streets, public spaces and urban design influence sunlight, shade, airflow, temperature, water movement and everyday comfort.
As London adapts to a changing climate, understanding these relationships has never been more important. The decisions we make about buildings, streets and public spaces today will shape how resilient, healthy and comfortable the city remains for decades to come.
Seeing Climate Through the City
The Urban Climate Walk was first developed in the City of London in 2014 as a way of translating urban climate research into real-world understanding. Rather than learning about climate through diagrams and reports, participants explore these issues on the streets themselves.
Moving through a carefully selected sequence of streets, squares and public spaces, the tour examines how building height, street geometry, materials, vegetation and access to light and air affect local environmental conditions. Along the way, participants will compare different microclimates and discover how the design of the city influences everything from overheating and ventilation to biodiversity, flood resilience and public health.
The walk challenges us to see architecture and urban form not simply as buildings and infrastructure, but as systems that actively shape the conditions in which Londoners live, work and move through the city.
The walk will be led by Dr Julie Futcher, a chartered architect, researcher and educator specialising in urban climate and climate-responsive urbanism. Julie is Chair of the RIBA London Climate Special Interest Group, Co-founder of the North Atlantic Urban Climate Action Group and an Associate Lecturer at Central Saint Martins.
Participants will explore a series of locations across the City of London, using real-world examples to understand how urban form influences heat, shade, airflow, water management and environmental resilience. Expect a fascinating mix of architecture, climate science and street-level observation, with plenty of opportunities for discussion and questions throughout.
Join Us
Whether you work in the built environment or are simply curious about how London functions, this walk offers a new way of understanding the city around you.
Places are limited. We hope you’ll join us to explore how the design of London shapes the climate we experience every day.