CITYTALK
SensoMeter
Safe environments are places where people feel safe and secure within them. When evaluating and later on working to improve the level of security in a place, we ought to take into consideration both individuals' sense of security and objective security threats. The SensoMeter system allows its users to measure and evaluate these two aspects of security in urban environment using residents' reports.The system is comprised of two main components:(1) A mobile app through which residents can report about their environment using structured reports and surveys.(2) A server that stores the data and communicates with the mobile app.The SensoMeter system is a generic system. Therefore, users can easily adjust the application and utilize it in many different ways and for many different purposes.
Citytalk is an elderly inclusive web based communication platform, serving as a bridge between urban planners and the community.
The Citytalk advantage:
1. Understanding citizen’s needs allows for better design
Citytalk web-platform collects information from citizens regarding their wishes needs and challenges providing urban planners with a better understanding of the workings of the physical, cultural and relational space they are designing.
2. Reaching the right people
Citytalk filters data received from citizens according to their demographic percentage of the population in the area, thus assuring all representative groups will be heard.
3. Reaching more peopleBeing a web platform
Citytalk enables even those who have less time or are homebound to participate.
4. Elderly friendly
5. Creating a bridge between planners and the community
Citytalk contains tools and methods for information exchange between planners and citizens allowing for a productive and structured communication process. Thus, reducing tensions and eliminating unnecessary objections to plans in later stages.
6. Giving citizens a voice
Citizens are able to suggest changes, discuss issues with others regarding their environment, comment on ongoing plans or stay updated regarding ongoing work. This creates a basis for a strong, united and caring community.
7. Simplifying participation process
Citytalk allows planners and city officials to communicate with citizens in a quick and cost effectivemanner.
Elderly inclusive design• Community building and involvement• Promotion of city sustainability•
Citizen empowerment• Enhancing public trust
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City resilience relies first and foremost on the safety, security and quality of life of its inhabitants. The ability to construct such a city depends on understanding the needs, wishes and difficulties of the people who live in it. The rise in percentage of elderly as part of the population, combined with the many challenges posed to them by city life, require paying special attention to their needs in the process of urban planning.
The aim of the first stage of this project has been to examine the city through the perspective of the elderly in order to be able to provide real solutions to issues arising from qualitative research. The aim of the second stage was to take the data from the first stage and come up with concepts for design solutions that would improve the elderly’s quality of life. The third and final stage that is in process currently consists of further development of a public participation web based tool using the double-loop design methodology.