Interactive green street enhancement using light dependent sensors and actuators

We propose and demonstrate a design of an interactive green street facility using light dependent sensors and actuators for enhancing the social cohesion of people. We show that electronics and green design can have positive effect on social interaction in a neighbourhood by a design example, called the ldquoPrachtpaalrdquo, for the Bennekel district in the city of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. By adding unique green designs in the district, the atmosphere and living quality of a neighbourhood can be greatly improved. With the implementation of light dependent sensors and colourful lights, the growth of the green plants is indicated so that people are stimulated in a more responsible way to take care of the plants. We show by experimental demonstration that the implementation of light dependent sensors and actuators for interactive design achieves stimulating effects on the inhabitants, which enhances social cohesion and activities in the district.

1. INTRODUCTION

Social cohesion and sustainability of society are important topic for our human beings [1], [2]. With the rapid development of technology, sensors and actuators have been applied to interactive design to stimulate more communication between people and enhance the quality of life [3]–[6].