Connections by The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design

Fall 2017 Summary

CONNECTIONS

A newsletter of the

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

I nstitute fo r Smart Ci ti e s

A message from the Dean: On behalf of Arc/D, the KU School of Architecture & Design, we are proud to announce the formation of the Institute for Smart Cities, under the direction of Associate Professor Joe Colistra.

Smart Cities Studio located at the KU Center for Design Research

The Institute aims to innovate by developing the untapped potential that is created when smart housing, design, aging population, big data, and artificial intelligence converge to transform how we build cities. Applying research to the unprecedented power of vast datalinked networks has the potential to enhance the quality of human life in ways that we have not conceived of yet. Likewise, the Institute aims to build intellectual networks. By establishing unique, affiliate relationships with healthcare researchers and providers, tech companies, professional firms, and other schools within the University of Kansas, to fulfill our vision, to become â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Pioneering Force for Global Impact Through Design.â&#x20AC;? The Institute is a think tank for thought leadership that provides unique educational experiences for our students, new research opportunities for our faculty, and provides consistent access for affiliate members to our student and faculty talent.

Smart Cities Housing Prototype at the KU East Hills Construction Innovation Lab

I hope you will join with me in anticipating the extraordinary, as the Institute for Smart Cities begins its journey toward exceptional discoveries. Rock Chalk! Dr. Mahesh Daas, DPACSA Dean, School of Architecture & Design University of Kansas

Arc/D PUBLICATION

KU West Campus Structural Testing Lab will be used to test steel Smart Floor system

I N S T I T U T E

L A U N C H

Director’s notes: The arrival of a gigabit network connection in Kansas City in 2012 places the Institute for Smart Cities in a very unique position. Only the second US city to bring a gigabit network online, there are now more than 100 American cities looking to invest in such networks. We intend to be at the forefront of research and innovation in designing and planning data-driven smart environments that can improve livability for all citizens while dramatically reducing resource consumption. I hope you will contact me as we grow this vitally important body of knowledge! Joe Colistra, Director Institute for Smart Cities jcolistra@ku.edu

Funded Research - Smart Floor Project Generous funding from our affiliate partners and KU’s General Research Fund has allowed us to develop a floor system that is able to collect data on heel strike. Utilizing accelerometers and strain gauges, we are able to monitor activity and detect falls, limp, muscle tremor, dragging of feet, and balance issues. This data can also be used for more advanced gait analysis which can identify and predict such conditions as diabetic neuropathy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and other forms of dementia. Funding has been provided from the American Institute of Architects, the Mozilla Gigabit Community Fund, the Howard Nearing/NSPJ Housing Studio Fund, and Sunlite Science and Technology. Please contact Lindsay Hummer at the KU Endowment Association for further information on participating in these research efforts at LHummer@kuendowment.org

Funding Partners:

R E C E N T

A C T I V I T I E S

KC Maker Faire

Our Smart Floor project and associated research was demonstrated at the 2017 Kansas City Maker Faire. This community showcase of the region’s most innovative ideas was attended by more than 17,000 people over two days in Kansas City’s Union Station.

KU Smart Floor Demonstration at the KC Maker Faire

Gigabit City Summit

KU’s Institute for Smart Cities exhibited its research at the 2017 Gigabit City Summit sponsored by KC Digital Drive. This event is attended by Smart City thought leaders from across North America.

KU’s Institute for Smart Cities Research was exhibited at the 2017 Gigabit Cities Summit

Cerner Health Conference

In November, our research on “Smart Home” technology and the collection of biometric data and its use in Population Health strategies was presented at the Cerner Health Conference. More than 14,000 people attended this Kansas City event held at the Sprint Center.

KU’s Institute for Smart Cities Research was presented at the Cerner Health Conference

R E C E N T

P R E S S

Smart Homes for Healthier Lives

What if your home could help you stay healthy? Today, we learn how. Interview by Steve Kraske, July 20, 2017