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Seville Revives Ancient Aqueduct Networks to Battle Extreme Urban Heat

Fast Company March 16, 2026

While not an AI story, Seville is exploring ancient underground aqueduct networks combined with modern science to create a passive urban cooling system. This innovative approach could offer sustainable, low-tech solutions for cities grappling with extreme heat, potentially reducing energy consumption and infrastructure costs without relying on complex digital systems.

Key Intelligence

  • Seville is leveraging an ancient Middle Eastern urban cooling technique, adapted for modern city planning.
  • The project involves reactivating subterranean aqueduct networks to naturally lower ambient temperatures.
  • Engineers are blending historical wisdom with contemporary scientific understanding to optimize the system.
  • This initiative aims to create a sustainable, passive cooling solution in a city known for its scorching summers.
  • The experiment is underway beneath the site of Seville’s 1992 World Expo, demonstrating a blend of heritage and innovation.