Creating ‘smart streets’ for the future

The streets of the future could become more user friendly for the disabled if a British designer is able to bring his ideas to life. Ross Atkins is working on the development of ‘responsive street furniture’ for blind, visually impaired and disabled people. His vison includes street lights that get brighter as a visually impaired pedestrian approaches, signs that can announce their location out loud and benches that fold down for someone who needs a place to rest.

The fixtures would work by connecting to a nearby user's smartphone or programmable key fob, which would provide details about the user's specific needs. Mr Atkins is working with landscaping firm Marshalls, which has already produced some prototype versions of his designs.

According to Mr Atkins, these ‘smart cities’ could really help some of the most vulnerable members of our society as long as they're designed correctly. "Coming from an accessibility point of view, there's so much stuff I know we could do if we had good, smart city systems, and there's so much more independence I know we could give to people," he said.

“As suppliers of street furniture such as benches and tables, we were very interested to read about Ross Atkins’ ideas, which are highly commendable in principle – although how achievable they are remains to be seen,” comments Patience Atkinson-Gregory of Amberol. “We are very proud of the ethical credentials of our Plaswood range which is made from 100% recycled polyethylene. They may not be able to help the disabled, but they are certainly a better choice for the environment.”

For more information about Plaswood seating, click here.