URBAN INTERFACES

This thesis is a proposal for an intervention in the urban fabric of Patras. It is an innovative ecosystem of four interactive devices, which aim to activate dead and abandoned urban spaces through lighting, collect data through user interaction with the devices and produce energy sufficient to power the whole system and generate excess energy that can support economically disadvantaged households. The pavegen: specially designed tiles with piezoelectric generators that generate electricity through tapping and with an addition of LED strips illuminate at night creating new light paths that guide city users. The pillars: act as landmarks, signalling activities and conveying messages. The drones: these new urban animals are responsible for collecting data and energy. During the day as they fly they open their wings, which are solar panels, and collect energy which they then channel into storage batteries to power the system. Alongside an integrated display they can attach themselves to urban surfaces and act as a pole of attraction and activity. Finally pavilions: placed at traffic hubs are places to stop and exchange information and data. Simple metal frames dressed by the drones with changing patterns each time. New life trends also lead to new design decisions. As designers we are challenged daily to redefine constants and invent new devices (prototypes) that follow evolving societal norms. People change, technology changes, the city must change with them.