We Are the Sensors

The ‘We are the Sensors' workshop, hosted by Senseable Amsterdam Lab (SAL) and RWTH Aachen University in cooperation with Climateflux, aims to explore the intersection of urban comfort, citizen science, and cutting-edge sensing technologies. This workshop provides a unique platform to engage with wearable and mobile devices for real-time environmental data collection and analysis, fostering a participatory approach to metropolitan science. Cities are on the front-line of climate change. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports suggest that much of the key and emerging global climate risks are concentrated in urban centers. Cities are subject to extreme heat events, exacerbated by urban heat island phenomena, putting their citizens’ health, productivity and energy sovereignty at risk. Heat adaptation strategies are essential to safeguarding and improving quality of life for all citizens. `We are the sensors‘ bases on a data-driven and human-centered approach to community-based observation that engages citizens in collecting and analyzing high resolution microclimate data, supporting community-serving organizations to assess vulnerability and climate risk awareness at the local scale, and identify priority areas for intervention. The workshop will cover: • The use of portable sensors and city scanners for environmental data collection • Standardising in-situ protocols for mobile measurement • Multi-domain comfort assessment and thermal pleasure concepts • Facilitating citizen science initiatives Participants will: • Gain hands-on experience with advanced sensing technologies. • Understand the methodologies for ground-truth data collection in urban environments. • Develop skills in multi-domain urban comfort assessment. • Learn about the integration of citizen science in metropolitan research. Teaching Strategies and Resources: The workshop will include presentations, hands-on experiments, and a transect walk guided by experts. The use of real-world tools like the sensing device provided by Climateflux and city scanners will enrich the learning experience. This workshop is designed for: • Researchers and students in urban studies and environmental sciences. • Professionals in urban planning and smart city development. • Stakeholders and public Administrators in the field of urban planning and health. • Enthusiasts in citizen science and community-driven research. Prerequisites: Participants should have a basic understanding of urban environmental concepts. No specific technical skills are required, making the workshop accessible to a broad audience interested in metropolitan science and technology.