THE PROGRAM

OWHC member cities are often keen to take advantage of the network to identify examples and experiences on various subjects related to urban management and heritage preservation. To facilitate the collection and sharing of information, the General Secretariat is proposing this new tool to complement the technical assistance offered to members.

OPERATIONAL ASPECTS

Cities wishing to find out whether other member cities have examples or experience on a specific subject are invited to send their question to the General Secretariat by e-mail to [email protected] providing all the information needed to understand the request.

The OWHC commits to:

• Rapidly circulate the information to all member cities (mailer) and publish the request on the OWHC website and social networks.
• Collect the information received and forward it to the requesting city

ELIGIBILITY

Member city in good standing.

Pending requests

The City of Luxembourg is launching a call via the Hotline: feedback on the installation of shade sails in the historic center

The City of Luxembourg wants to initiate a reflection about installing shading devices (temporary or permanent) in the streets located within the UNESCO zone. This includes systems with sails or fabrics stretched between buildings, as seen in other historic cities (see the example photos from Córdoba, Spain).

In an effort to adapt to extreme heat and improve comfort in public spaces, the city is seeking feedback from other cities that have implemented, studied, or overseen this type of system in sensitive heritage areas.

Contributions may address technical, regulatory, heritage, operational, or safety aspects.

Suggested Questions for Member Cities

1. What mounting solutions are used to preserve historic facades, particularly regarding distance, anchoring, and reversibility?
2. How is access for emergency services ensured, particularly when they must react from the street to reach upper floors of buildings?
3. What materials are used for shade sails, and how do they perform in terms of translucency, wind resistance, airflow, fire resistance, and rain or storm resistance?
4. For privately owned properties, what arrangements have been made with the owners regarding the facades in question?
5. How were residents, business owners, and other users informed, consulted, or involved? What mechanisms facilitated acceptance of the system or helped address any concerns?
6. What feedback, recommendations, technical documents, or useful contacts could your city share? Would your city be willing to guide the City of Luxembourg in this effort?

Please send your responses regarding this topic to Berenice Vidal Castelán, Urban Heritage Project Officer: [email protected], by Friday, August 21, 2026.