the coolest white by UNStudio aims to cool down the planet with paint

there’s no doubt that our cities are getting hotter. the use of dark materials for buildings and streets, the lack of green space, and the exhausts from air-conditioning all contribute in increasing this so-called urban heat island effect. however, UNStudio led by ben van berkel aims to cool down the planet using paint that reflects sunlight.

comparison between coolest white and RAL 9016 paint
all images courtesy of UNStudio

the ‘coolest white’ by UNStudio, together with swiss paint specialists monopol colors, is a prospective design solution that aims to cool down our cities. its multilayered coating system was first developed for high-quality metallic façade elements. the paint offers a high total solar reflectance to ensure objects heat up less and also radiates less heat; uses ultra-durable fluoropolymer technology; and delivers high abrasion resistance in order to last for decades. looking towards the future of our cities, the ‘coolest white’ paint reduces the temperature both inside and outside of buildings.

total solar reflectance graph

abrasion resistance graph

project info:

name: coolest white paint

designers: UNStudio and monopol colors

UNStudio credits: ben van berkel with filippo lodi, harlen miller and maurizio papa, saba nabavi tafreshi

monopol colors credits: lionel schlessinger with tim kröger, melinda baeriswyl, simon gantner