A First Look at Georges River Council’s Prototype ChillOUT Hubs
Installing panels for prototype solar power option.
We’re pleased to share that the construction of our three ChillOUT Hubs is nearing completion, part of a pilot study for the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program.
ChillOUT Hubs are smart, open-air community spaces. The prototype installations offer people a free, comfortable place to meet, work and play. They also enable asset managers to monitor utilities, visitation and the microclimate.
The official launch will take place in February 2020. The collaborative team of Georges River Council, UNSW and Street Furniture Australia will also host a series of events including a Council Knowledge Exchange, industry hackathon and tours to site.
The data at the Kogarah hub is now live on UNSW’s smart asset management dashboard.
Street art is scheduled to go onto the ground plane, with cooling pavement paint.
This ChillOUT Hub offers a place to take a break along a busy thoroughfare, connecting the train station, hospital, library and offices. Office workers may choose to work outdoors, connecting to WiFi and plugging in laptops.
Visitors paused on their journey from station to hospital, or used the hub at lunch.Installing the smart tree prototypes. Aria connectors make a prototype seat around the smart tree.
A Town Centre – Mortdale
The ChillOUT Hub prototype in Mortdale tests a completely off-the-grid solar powered solution. The solar panels are now up and running. Cooling paint supergraphics are also scheduled for installation at this site.
Installed in the heart of a suburban town centre, it is a central meeting point for locals to dine, rest and catch up.
Mortdale’s ChillOUT features a long table and prototype solar power. Assembling the solar panels (prototype only) and smart tree shades.Installing the smart tree prototypes.
A Park – Timothy Reserve, Hurstville
This hub is now installed, with more greenery added to the planters. Data is live from the smart trees, and a weather station is set up. A smart fountain will also be installed to gather more data.
This ChillOUT prototype offers a place for picnics, parties and family gatherings. Plug in a speaker for music, and keep devices charged. The lookout table is designed for parents to comfortably supervise children in the playground.
The Timothy Reserve ChillOUT Hub. Assembling the prototype smart tree. Construction underway on the Timothy Reserve ChillOUT Hub.
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How might we increase community connectivity, enable knowledge exchange and provide flexible spaces to meet, work and play? ChillOUT, a collaborative project by Georges River Council, UNSW and Street Furniture Australia, seeks to answer this question. Cities are becoming compact. With this increase in high density living there is greater pressure on public space to provide opportunities to rest, connect with community and immerse in nature. What are ChillOUT Hubs? ChillOUT Hubs are prototype smart open-air community spaces. Each hub is configured using a modular system of Smart Tree shade structures, street furniture and integrated technology. They feature public WiFi, device charging, seats and tables, smart bins, smart drinking fountains, lighting, planter boxes and artwork. One of the sites – in Mortdale – runs via solar power. Sensors will monitor …
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