The Listening City Project
Carolina Soto
csoto@mit.edu
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Our life in the city relies on a system of objects; trashcans, mailboxes, or parking meters are not inert objects. They are part of networks, which need to be constantly monitored. Due to the large size of these networks this control is not always exercised appropriately. Therefore, the systems collapse. The Listening City proposes a monitoring system that relies on the citizens’ feedback on urban elements. The project proposes the addition of a unique QR code to each element of the urban network. When a citizen finds a malfunctioning element s/he can scan the code and easily access an online form to report the problem to the responsible authority. This bottom-up gathered information can be used by the authority to understand and adjust the system according to the observed patterns. On the other hand, this data can also be used by the citizens to monitor the operation of their city and have a valid source of information to demand changes in the system. |