On 13 May 2015, the first Amsterdam Smart Citizens Lab was held. More than 50 citizens, scientists and technicians gathered to gain more insight in their city. By measuring the city themselves in the next months, to investigate and get into action based on the results.
The official measuring networks are limited, while their may be large local differences. By using new, cheap electronics we can do something about it. Citizens can measure their own environment and get answers to their questions. Last year, we already experimented with the Smart Citizen Kit, that did not yet deliver high-quality data. But the participants were enthusiastic, technology is advancing and new partners were found, and so we could start the Amsterdam Smart Citizens Lab this year.
In the Smart Citizens Lab we will explore tools and applications to map the world around us. Along with citizens, scientists, and designers, we deal with themes ranging from air quality to the conditions of bathing water to noise pollution.
When is the best time to take a swim in the canals? Which route is the healthiest to take to work? And what’s the real level of noise pollution in your neighbourhood? These are all examples of questions that could be answered in the Smart Citizens Lab. In each session, we will invite experts to tell us more about the possibilities, impact, and relevance of citizens who take the measurement of local, environmental data into their own hands.
The Amsterdam Smart Citizens Lab is open for all who are living in Amsterdam. Look at our our events for more information about the next meetings. Look at the photos of the first session at Flickr.
