4Köppen: Climate-Responsive Tram Stops for a Better Urban Microclimate

Overview

4Köppen is an adaptive and deployable tram stop pavilion designed to respond to Melbourne’s shifting microclimates.

The design integrates kinetic mechanisms, ETFE canopies, and wind-responsive structures to create a more comfortable and climate-resilient waiting experience. Inspired by biomimicry and origami, the pavilion adjusts dynamically to weather conditions, promoting active mobility and livability in urban transport hubs.

Developed in RMIT’s MDIT program with engagement from the City of Melbourne, the project investigates how public infrastructure can become more adaptable and human-centred.

The City of Melbourne provided expert critique on its feasibility and urban impact, contributing to the exploration of climate-responsive transit solutions.

Reimagining Public Transport Through Urban Microclimates

Public transport is the lifeblood of a city, but what if tram stops could do more than just provide shelter?

In Melbourne, where temperatures can fluctuate drastically within a single day, a standard tram stop offers little protection against the elements. Commuters often find themselves scorched by the summer sun, battered by gusty winds, or drenched by sudden downpours. With urban environments becoming hotter and more unpredictable, static tram shelters are no longer enough.

What if a tram stop could actively respond to its surroundings, ensuring year-round comfort while encouraging active mobility and sustainable transport?

Case Study

Understanding the Challenge: Melbourne’s Extreme Weather & Urban Microclimates

Through extensive climate research, urban observation, and material innovation, 4Köppen was designed to tackle key microclimate challenges that impact commuter comfort:

🌀 Unpredictable Wind Patterns – Melbourne’s dense cityscape creates wind tunnels, intensifying discomfort at tram stops.
🌞 Excessive Heat & Sun Exposure – Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) trap and radiate heat, making outdoor spaces significantly warmer than surrounding areas.
🌧 Limited Rain Protection – Existing tram stops fail to shield commuters from wind-driven rain and temperature fluctuations.
🚏 Restricted Space & Accessibility Issues – Traditional tram shelters are narrow, limiting movement and failing to accommodate wheelchair users and prams effectively.

By analysing weather patterns, testing materials, and observing commuter behaviour, we developed a shelter that dynamically adjusts to Melbourne’s climate conditions, ensuring a safer, more comfortable experience for public transport users.

Introducing 4Köppen: A Climate-Responsive Tram Stop

4Köppen is an adaptive tram shelter designed to respond dynamically to Melbourne’s urban microclimates. Integrating biophilic design, kinetic structures, and sustainable materials, it redefines the way we experience public transport infrastructure.

✔ Weather-Adaptive Canopy – Expands and contracts in response to wind speeds, temperature, and sunlight exposure, providing real-time protection.
✔ Urban Microclimate Optimisation – Uses environmental data and wind mapping to create a naturally cooler, more comfortable waiting space.
✔ Sustainable Materials – Incorporates ETFE cushions, bamboo elements, and cellulose nanofibres (CNF) to enhance energy efficiency and durability.
✔ Human-Centred Experience – Improves accessibility, usability, and aesthetics, encouraging more people to choose public transport.

2. Wind Optimisation: Comfort in the Open

Using insights from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, we designed a permeable shelter structure that:
✔ Redirects wind rather than blocking it, ensuring better airflow.
✔ Uses perforated screens to balance visibility and wind resistance.
✔ Incorporates aerodynamic curves to create low-pressure zones for improved thermal comfort.

3. Origami-Inspired Deployable Structure

Drawing from Miura-Ori origami principles, 4Köppen is designed to be flexible and adjustable:
✔ Contracts during strong winds to prevent structural strain.
✔ Expands on hot days to enhance ventilation and cooling.
✔ Integrates kinetic actuators, allowing the canopy to adjust dynamically based on real-time weather data.

Impact

4Köppen redefines public transport infrastructure by aligning sustainability with user comfort. The project envisions a future where urban shelters are responsive, resilient, and seamlessly integrated into the natural environment—enhancing both mobility and city livability.

The Future of 4Köppen: Towards Smarter Urban Infrastructure

4Köppen is more than just a tram stop—it’s a vision for climate-adaptive cities. With urbanisation and climate change reshaping our built environments, public spaces must evolve to become resilient, inclusive, and responsive.

This project challenges conventional transport infrastructure design, demonstrating how urban shelters can actively enhance climate adaptation while improving public transport experiences.

Imagine if all public spaces were designed to respond dynamically to environmental conditions—how would this reshape the way we interact with our cities?

🚏🌱 The future of urban mobility isn’t just about transport—it’s about designing for a changing world.

✅ 🎭 Role: Urban Experience Designer & Art Director
📌 Tasks: Ethnographic Research, Climate-Responsive Design, Experiential Research, Material Innovation, Prototyping & Testing, Concept Development, Art Direction, Presentation & Documentation
👥 Team: 4 members