Design of Smart Furniture for a Smart City

Abstract

The government of India has decided to set up smart cities across the country. The intent is to improve the lifestyles of the people. For this purpose, it has defined certain parameters of the Smart cities. These parameters, such as smart environment, smart energy, smart transportation, smart governance, have been provided with characteristics and features upon which they are to be modelled. However there has been no mention about smart furniture. Furniture forms an integral part of houses and offices. The use of smart furniture is expected in smart cities. This project consists of developing concepts and ideas on smart furniture. The ideas that have been defined by the Government have been embedded in the design philosophies. A survey is also conducted to obtain data regarding user preferences. The data obtained is analysed to draw inferences. Then from these inferences the design principles are worked out. The concepts of the different products of Smart Furniture are developed using these design principles. The conceptual models of a chair, a bed and a table are designed.