Smart Energy Applications and Integration of Urban Furniture into Smart Systems in Cities

Abstract

Smart cities aim to adapt the living conditions in the best way by using human and technology factors, which are among their basic components. At this point, the components of smart cities show some changes according to the economic, social and cultural values of the countries, and the investments made in these components reveal new city versions. Improving sustainable design thinking and social innovation requires collaborative studies via policy-making process and related applications. Local governments, designers and stakeholders need to focus on how to create a new way of thinking for smart and sustainable solutions for cities. This study presents an environmentally sensitive design proposal that uses smart energy technologies for integrating renewable energy alternatives into smart lighting system for promoting circular economy and increasing sustainability in public areas. Using renewable energy technologies not only adds value to the identity of these cities but also increases public awareness among users. For this purpose, a smart lighting design that generates electrical energy with kinetic flooring is designed and presented for usage in Çorlu Cumhuriyet Park. Çorlu has a strategic location and investment targets. It also has a high potential to become a smart city that can stand out on smart energy in Turkey, which is supported by the Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy Agreement signed in 2019. The designed smart lighting aims to integrate renewable energy into city furniture and increase environmental awareness by presenting citizens’ instant contribution to the renewable energy production in their daily activity.