Heatwave in Europe should fan innovation

Time for the countries to remember and adapt their colonial-era innovations.

With climate change on top of the agenda, it is not surprising that much of Europe is feeling the heat. With temperatures slated to surpass 40° C in many countries in June and July — with no hope of monsoon relief — it may be time for the authorities there to revisit the knowledge they had garnered in the 18th and 19th centuries in their colonies in tropical climes. For instance, if high temperatures are to be the new normal, if not the sola topee, it is certainly time for deep verandahs to enter the European architectural scene, a feature that the southern regions of the US still incorporate into buildings. As a myriad of colonial-era buildings and paintings across Asia and Africa testify, there is nothing quite like a verandah to cool off and to deflect the long summer sun in the northern hemisphere.

Of course, back then, native retainers would patiently man the ‘punkhas’ (fans) when natural breezes refused to oblige; but electricity has obviated the need for violation of EU human rights and health and safety rules. It is puzzling, however, why these nations never adopted the ceiling fan. A few companies have come out with futuristic fans, but the simple ceiling version would make even the most airless, heat-retaining European room much more habitable. Indian fan-makers should step in before China does.