NUAGE
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Description
NUAGE is an experimental bench prototyped on public space topped with a cloud shape rendering a sensible representation of urban environmental data to citizens. It informs citizens about air quality and levels of pollination in the neighbourhood with color references visible from many viewpoints and easily understandable.
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
Designed by the team Design9, Armor, K Sculpture and VSConnect, this unique bench sheltered by a cloud shape changes colour depending on the air quality in the area. The cloud changes from green (good air quality) to orange (medium) and red (poor).
The set of environmental data feeding NUAGE result from a modelling produced by Air Pays de la Loire, the association in charge of surveillance of air quality (indoor, outdoor and pollens) in the Pays de la Loire region. This set of data is delivered once a day and is complemented by data captured by 7 sensors settled by SAMOA in the neighbourhood produced by the startup Atmotrack. These sensors are disseminated throughout the island of Nantes and can collect data at the level of a district, and feed the NUAGE with a sharper level several times during the day.
In order to sensitize people on the challenges of air quality in the city, group and educational sessions are organized by Air Pays de la Loire all along the year, with citizens, students, schoolchildren but also professionals around NUAGE. It is a unique tool to communicate on the topic and easily understandable.
The information communicated by NUAGE comes with a set of recommendations on how to adapt behaviour depending on the level of air quality (good : favouring walking and cycling; medium : be attentive about other’s potential difficulties such as breathing problems; poor : keep away from main roads, be careful when practicing outside sports, etc.).
An evaluation was carried out to collect feedback from citizens and passers-by to understand how it was adopted by citizens and what they felt about the level of data they were given.
The next step is the development of a digital platform to render the data produced on a digital map of the neighbourhood, going as far as street air quality levels.
Key objectives for sustainability
The urban furniture developed carries the general goal of sensitizing citizens to the challenges of sustainability through they appropriation of air quality data in an urban environment. Citizens are encouraged to adapt their behaviour depending on the data rendered by NUAGE (especially colours).
The prototype itself is self-sufficient in energy based on photovoltaic panels on top. It is connected to the grid in case of malfunction of the panels.
It is a light urban furniture, respecting all rules for installations on public space.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The aesthetics of the prototype were paramount in the design, as was necessary that it fit in the landscape, that it was visible from afar and agreeable to look at for citizens. A team of designers were selected to develop NUAGE.
The information represented is organized to be as simple and intuitive as possible, using colors that are used in traffic lighting and that do not necessitate much explanation. It blends in with the landscape and brings a nice light at night especially in winter nights. This effect is highlighted by its proximity with the river right below. As it is based on a bench, it is first used as such.
Key objectives for inclusion
The key objectives of the prototype was to be seen and appropriated by as much people as possible. To reach these goals, the following actions have been taken :
The prototype is installed on a specific location, a circulated axis for all types of mobility: cars, public transportation, bicycle lanes and sidewalks. The location is central and is widely visible so as to be seen by anyone in the vicinity. There are different types of activites possible around the prototype (cafés, bars, pétanque grounds, skatepark) reaching various population groups such as teenagers and young people, families, workers, etc. As it is set on a bench facing the river next to an open public space, the bench invites to sit and attracts curiosity, it is a pretext to discuss air quality.
The information represented is organized to be as simple and intuitive as possible, using colors that are used in traffic lighting and that do not necessitate much explanation. It is widely inclusive in this sense.
To reach as many people as possible, the Air Pays de la Loire association organized group and educational sessions all along the year, with citizens, students, schoolchildren but also professionals. They focused on reaching varied population groups. NUAGE acts as a tool to further our understanding on air quality and the remediation actions that can be undertaken to tackle bad air quality levels.
An evaluation was carried out to collect feedback from citizens and passers-by to understand how it was adopted by citizens and what they felt about the level of data they were given, in order to potentially improve such experimental projects.
Results in relation to category
NUAGE contributed to facilitating a change in behaviour in terms of sustainability. Is it a piece of urban furniture that can be settled in public space in a varied range of urban environement. It brings forward the challenges of urban air-quality and the appropriation of such data by all citizens.
It promotes active modes of transportation, caring to others that may be harmed by bad levels of air quality and adapting our transportation modes to have inidividual impact on air quality levels.
It is developed with aesthetic and landscape concerns, is inclusive and can be easily used and adopted. It serves as a tool for public action concerning urban levels of pollution and can be easily transferred as a product to European cities.
How Citizens benefit
Citizens are central to the project, as they are the main target.
Citizens were widely involved, from the design phase up the evaluation phase. Workshops were organized with citizens and design students about sensitive representation or environmental data in the city. Several NGOs were involved, to choose the location of the prototype and to organize citizens workshops and educational sessions.
The information communicated by NUAGE comes with a set of recommendations on how to adapt behaviour depending on the level of air quality (good : favouring walking and cycling, medium : be attentive about other’s potential difficulties such as breathing problems, poor : keep away from main roads, be careful when practicing outside sports, etc.).
Innovative character
The sensible representation of environmental data can really help citizens to understand environmental challenges. As the prototype is set in a central location, but is not invasive in terms of data shown, it turns into a daily reminder to all but can also be used as a simple bench.
It is a unique and efficient tool that can be used by public action to sensitize on environmental challenges and impact behaviour.
The combination of different sensors rendering data at different times of the day can precisely show the level of air quality at district level and indicate variations during the day.
