How urban furniture is creating smart parks?

Aprende con Andrea Conde sobre ¿Cómo los elementos urbanos están creando parques inteligentes?.

A smart park is a space that merges technology, data, culture and outdoor citizen encounters. In addition, it innovatively integrates the hyperconnectivity offered by technology to improve the user experience. This concept has caught the attention of today’s designers, urban planners and landscapers, who want to benefit from new tools to design spaces that adapt to the physical and social environment.

Current urban projects tend to focus significantly on revitalization and regeneration, as parks are being underutilized, meaning their capacity or potential is not being fully harnessed. This leads to the necessity of rethinking the spaces multiple times once they fall into neglect.

“Love your park week” en Vernon Park, Philadelphia
Fotografía / Photography: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Most often, this happens because there is no long-term design and planning, nor is there a comprehensive analysis of both the users and the site before design; similarly, once the project is completed, there is no ongoing monitoring of what happens in the park, which leads to not receiving the expected number of visitors and to the deterioration of facilities due to lack of use and maintenance.

In the Ted Talk by landscape architect and urban planner Edward Kfrafcik in 2018, the success story of Eakins Oval Park in Philadelphia is revealed, in which it is possible to improve and regroup the community with the help of data analysis, understanding the people who frequent the park and its activities, as well as the days and times when they stay the most.

Eakins Oval Park
Fotografía / Photography: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

The architect suggests that a proper data analysis can prevent parks from becoming underutilized. This also benefits local economies, as it eliminates the need to invest large amounts of money periodically to improve the space. Instead, by using data to customize and keep the park active with a program of activities tailored to the needs of each user profile in the community, it is possible to ensure the vitality of the site.

This monitoring can be carried out using various elements within the park. For example, there are benches that operate on solar energy and feature charging stations for mobile devices. Additionally, they are equipped with sensors that collect anonymous data on pedestrian traffic and are part of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, which involve the interconnection of physical devices that share data with each other. This data can be used to make informed decisions about events or initiatives that impact the public.

Soofa Bench en el espacio público / Soofa Bench in public space
Fotografía / Photography: Cortesía de Soofa / Courtesy of Soofa

There are interactive information stations that use electronic paper screens, which can be installed in less than an hour and, like the benches, operate on solar energy. Their purpose is to engage communities by sharing new events in the area, providing updates and information about available public transportation, as well as posting announcements about local businesses and important social media updates from the city. In addition to this, on the other side of the screen there is an interactive map of the area that helps both tourists and locals navigate and reach their desired destinations.

Soofa Sign en Milpitas, CA
Fotografía / Photography: Cortesía de Soofa / Courtesy of Soofa

Another interesting aspect is that they are adaptable to personalized designs according to the place where it is located and the objective to be achieved, they can even be designed to match the graphic image of the city in which it will operate.

These stations also monitor pedestrian traffic with sensors, in order to understand the patterns and frequency of use of the space. Thanks to this, transportation offices can make traffic improvements and better plan for future expansions.

Soofa Sign en Boston, Massachusetts
Fotografía / Photography: Cortesía de Soofa / Courtesy of Soofa

Finally, to better manage waste in public spaces, there are smart trash containers that wirelessly communicate with a data analysis platform. This allows for the monitoring and optimization of waste collection, providing precise information on when the containers need to be emptied. This helps prevent excess waste and unpleasant odors.

The use of new technologies can significantly improve the environment. However, their greatest value lies in being complementary tools that allow us to plan and redesign spaces focused on user needs. Thanks to the data analysis provided by the various types of urban furniture available today, it is possible to optimize both urban planning and continuous monitoring of spaces.

It will always be necessary to monitor the modifications made to public spaces to assess whether they have truly improved the daily lives of residents and contributed to a more functional and pleasant environment.