Literature Review of Smart Technologies for Urban Heat Islands Associated with High-Rise Buildings

The urban heat island (UHI) effect is a growing environmental challenge in urban environments characterized by high-rise buildings. This disproportionate presence of structures causes local warming due to spatial density, heat-absorbing building materials, and high-energy cooling systems. This chapter focuses on a literature review related to smart technologies as a tool to reduce global warming and mitigate the UHI effect associated with high-rise buildings. A methodology based on methodological review was applied, based on PRISMA standards, which identify and analyze studies that utilize peer review from major scientific databases. It is worth noting that these solutions are divided according to modern technology into three main axes: green infrastructure, smart materials, and interactive systems. Furthermore, the study analyzes their operational principles, how to integrate them, and measures their effectiveness. It also evaluates research trends in terms of methodology and implementation challenges, including technical approaches, costs, and regulatory gaps. The study’s findings emphasize the importance of adopting multidisciplinary approaches and modern technical methods, including appropriate digital infrastructure, as well as the potential to improve urban thermal performance. The study concludes by providing practical recommendations for decision-makers based on multi-criterial and innovation stimulation techniques. Researchers, engineers, and designers seeking to create smart high-rise environments capable of adapting to climate change have the possibility to integrate these recommendations within their work.