Intelligent Environments

We are increasingly seeing the emergence of ‘intelligence’ embedded into places and artefacts to create environments that are responsive to the presence of people. These include embedded sensor networks and technical textiles in clothing, and electronics embedded in vehicles and buildings. These systems are creating the possibilities for different relationships and usages of space. Space will become increasingly sensitive and responsive to their users, enabling novel interaction possibilities and in the future, perception and even experiences.

The IMI is committed to making this future a reality sensitively and with relevance through research collaboration between experts in the creation of space (architects, planners), people's perceptions and expectations within space (psychologists, ethnographers) and the creation of fundamental enabling technologies (sensor networks, autonomic computing, artificial intelligence, digital systems and other).

Within the field of intelligent environments, the IMI will consider several different sub topics, namely different kinds of spaces that people inhabit, from from domestic space (the home or even rooms in the home), to workplaces (office and other work environments) to semi-public (shopping, museum) to public spaces (park, street, square). There are also special spaces, such as in vehicles or in transport interchanges which may have particular requirements or offer particular possibilities.

Upcoming event on Intelligent Environments in Public Space