The Recharge Spot

It was developed to help women, girls and gender-diverse people feel comfortable and safe in public spaces. The Recharge Spot enables users to relax and recharge their devices while waiting for transport connections, friends or family. The concept design was completed in December 2023, and an on-ground trial of the prototype is being planned for the end of 2025.

Challenge

Research shows that targeted interventions in public spaces, transport hubs or precincts can significantly enhance comfort and safety perceptions for everyone, particularly women, girls and gender-diverse people. Engagement and research undertaken for the Safer Cities program surveyed women, girls and gender-diverse people. This identified factors that can help enhance the feeling of safety in public spaces and transport hubs or precincts. These factors have underpinned the guiding principles of the Recharge Spot and include:

• a place to sit and rest comfortably
• gender-sensitive (safe and welcoming) lighting and visibility
• positive passive surveillance and the presence of people
• people are able to easily access and find their way to and around the space
• people feel connected and that help is on hand
• people feel that the space is cared for and has a sense of community.

Solution

The Recharge Spot was developed through a holistic co-design process with women, girls and gender-diverse people to identify what smart technology and street furniture features could help improve their perceptions of safety.

Place managers across local and state government agencies also participated in the inclusive collaborative process.

Input from women, girls, gender-diverse peoples and other key stakeholders directly shaped the concept design of the Recharge Spot. The design prioritises technology features that could help them connect with their community.

It also helps to alleviate anxiety around not having enough phone battery charge, as well as providing data to place managers about key safety measures.

The design increases the visibility of the Recharge Spot’s seating areas during the day and night and includes other modular components that can adapt to various place-based needs. Smart technology embedded in the components can enhance safety and connectivity in public spaces by providing practical support and capturing valuable data for place management. These features are designed to help users feel connected, supported, safe, and confident that assistance is available if needed.

Each Recharge Spot uses a modular ‘kit-of-parts’ that can be assembled in various configurations to meet place-based needs. The kit is designed to be easily deployed, operated and maintained with minimal impact to public space.

A standard Recharge Spot includes:

• a concrete base with an integrated communications cabinet (typically located adjacent to other smart pole solutions)
• shade canopies with an integrated solar panel, so as to not require in-ground services
• seat and table components that can be reconfigured, relocated and upgraded
• functional and welcoming ambient lighting, which can be adjusted to suit place-based contexts
• wireless chargers and USB ports for device charging
• fully integrated smart technology including sensors for collection of people movement, environmental and other place data.

An enhanced Recharge Spot includes increased smart technology capability, including public Wi-Fi, CCTV and increased data-capture features supplemented by the solar panels. This version requires an in-ground power connection to be implemented as part of a permanent solution.

Outcomes

Smart Places outcomes areas:

• Collaboration and connection.
• Equity, accessibility and inclusion.

Resources

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