Beta Blocks transforms how Boston residents engage with emerging urban technologies. Through hands-on workshops, prototypes, and public installations including a traveling exhibit with a giant inflatable purple blob, the project makes smart city concepts tangible and invites community input.
About the Project
Problem Space
Smart cities are already here, in forms that include urban sensors, responsive architecture and data-driven decision making. Communities often aren't able to participate in important discussions before technologies are installed.
Proposed Intervention
Beta Blocks is a scalable, flexible and re-usable process for engaging city residents on issues of urban technology and data. Through a playful traveling exhibit featuring a giant inflatable purple blob, it generated city-wide conversation about "smart city" tech.
Social Impact
Beta Blocks engaged thousands of Boston residents through Zone Advisory Groups, Teen Tech Explorers programs, walking tours, and community events. The final report documents the process and provides recommendations for replication.