Smarter Streets

I have been spending a fair amount of time considering what are smart streets? and whilst it remains ambiguous, I think it will be increasingly important in our cities in a era of limited funding for new infrastructure.

My interest stems from a recent successful commission to develop and deliver concepts for smart streets for a North Eastern US city.

I have also been actively contributing to a discussions on this concept of smart streets through my website, an interesting forum via Linkedin as well as leading a discussion workshop at a recent Unconference in New York.

So what are Smart Streets? Well, it appears to mean different things to different people - which is okay except the 'smart fog' seems to be descending which has the potential to undermine the benefits that smart systems may offer.

For me, smart streets are about four things.

1) Better managing infrastructure and resources through the collection and use of real time information;
2) Empowering users through two-way sharing of information;
3) Enabling more sustainable behavior, infrastructure and systems to be integrated into public space;
4) Creating stimulating, dynamic, interactive and active places.

There are some examples of where some 'smart stuff' has been delivered and is making a difference to the way places operate or feel. In the UK, smart bins provide on-street compaction and then send a message when they need to be emptied.

In an attempt to achieve sustainable goals, fun technology was used to inlfuence travel behavior.

This is just a couple of ideas that are around but I think give an indication of the how wide the scope can be when it comes to Smart Systems. I intend to push further with the Smart Streets agenda so watch this space...