Urban Thermal Modulation-The Limits of Interiorization and Emergence of Atmospheric Security?

This paper argues that important changes are taking place in how the problematic of excess heat is being understood and addressed in urban contexts. The key shift underway is strategic interest in the thermal modulation of the 'outdoor' environment. This represents an extension of the existingmode of thermal modulation based on 'interiorization' through air conditioned encapsulation to an emerging logic of manipulating the outdoor environment-a form of atmospheric security. The paper explores the key features of this shift and identifies the implications for urban studies.