Concrete courtyard on Károlyi Street to be transformed into green park under Cool LIFE program

Concept design released by the municipality

SZEGED, Hungary – Work to eliminate one of Szeged’s most intense urban heat islands is expected to begin this summer, city officials announced, as a large concrete courtyard in the downtown area is set to be transformed into a landscaped public space.

The fully paved courtyard next to Károlyi Street, long described as a “heat trap,” will have its concrete surface removed and replaced with drought-tolerant plants, shading features, and seating. The redevelopment will create a small public park aimed at reducing surface temperatures and improving comfort during the summer months.

Plans include the installation of a vertical green wall and a pergola designed to function as a shaded cooling structure. Procurement is currently underway, and construction could begin as early as the summer. Concept designs have already been completed and released.

The project is part of Szeged’s nearly 1.5 billion forint European Union-funded Cool LIFE Program, which focuses on climate adaptation and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Under the program, the city has conducted surveys, prepared a detailed heat map of built-up areas and developed a strategy to reduce heat stress in public spaces.

City officials say several high-temperature zones have been identified across Szeged, including areas along Tisza Lajos Boulevard and enclosed downtown courtyards such as the one on Károlyi Street. The removal of large, heat-absorbing concrete surfaces is considered a key pilot measure, with lessons from the project expected to inform future interventions.

Szeged lies in one of Hungary’s hottest regions, and dense urban surfaces can further intensify summer temperatures. A previous greening project at Bartók Square – once also identified as a heat island – showed measurable temperature reductions during peak heat, according to municipal monitoring data.

Officials say they expect similar results from the redevelopment of the Károlyi Street site as the city continues efforts to adapt to rising temperatures and make public spaces more resilient.

Featured image: press briefing at Károlyi Street about the launch of the Cool Life project, 2024. Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify