Thursday 28 March 2024 | sports-kit.net: The search engine for sports buyers

19 Mar 2018

Ben van Berkel launches UNSense startup to boost health and wellbeing in built environments

Supplier: UNStudio

More UNStudio details
Dutch architect Ben van Berkel and his design firm UNStudio have launched a tech startup to “improve the health and wellbeing of people in buildings worldwide.”

UNSense will explore and develop new integrated tech solutions specifically designed for cities, buildings and indoor environments. It will be run as an independent sister company, headquartered in Amsterdam FreedomLab Campus.

Explaining the concept, van Berkel said: “We are living in the age of the iPhone, yet the architecture and construction industries are still in the Walkman phase. With UNSense, I want to fully integrate innovative technologies into the built environment and improve the way people live, work and get from A to B. It is not the hardware or the software itself that interests me, but how it can be applied within architecture and urban design to improve our daily lives.”

He argued that traditional architectural practices do not have the resources or skill sets necessary to develop new technologies, with little room for prototyping and testing such applications, hence the decision to establish the studio as a standalone initiative.

Data analysts, algorithmists, neuroscientists, policymakers, students, city planners, sociologists and economists will join architects in developing products for the firm.

Early prototypes include Solar Bricks – PV Modules that can be used as a cladding material for the facade or the entire envelope of buildings, providing solar power on a much larger scale than if only used as rooftop coverage.

In the future, UNSense aims to develop and implement digital systems and technologies that enhance the city’s livability, such as digitally enhanced facades and indoor environments “that fully understand a user’s preferences, needs, emotions and even intentions.” Trials for such solutions are currently taking place in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities.

“I look at technology within the built environment from the viewpoint of an architect, and that always starts with people,” said van Berkel. “Instead of focusing only on performance or energy use optimisation, with sensorial adaptive environments, I see a great opportunity to create buildings and cities that are sensible and sensitive to human beings.

“I am of the firm belief that in the future all architecture practices will become arch tech firms, but for now we have to pave the way to make this expansion of our knowledge and expertise possible.”


Supplier: UNStudio
Amsterdam the Netherlands

Web: www.unstudio.com

Click here to visit UNStudio's leisure-kit listing


Connect with
sports-kit.net
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

Find the right products and services for your company
News search
 
Advertise your products
on the leisure-kit Product Report
And reach over 57,000 leisure buyers

Call
+44 (0)1462 431385
 
SAPCA update

Building Issues

Guidance on the effects of the pandemic on facility projects
View feature>>
Catalogue gallery
 
Company profile
 
ABC Trainerize

ABC Trainerize is a member engagement mobile app and software platform that allows coaches and fitness businesses to expand their reach beyond their physical space, better connect with members, and digitize the training experience.
View full profile>>
 

To advertise your product and reach over 57,000 leisure buyers call
+44 (0)1462 431385 or email [email protected]
Sport jobs
Powered by
leisureopportunities.com
Contract Customer Services Manager
Salary: £27,500 - £28,500pa
Location:Horfield, Bristol, UK
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
Swim Teacher
Salary: Competitive
Location:Basildon
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard (NPLQ required)
Salary: 9.50 ph
Location:Basildon
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
Team Leader
Salary: Competitive salary, excellent benefits
Location:Basildon
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
 
Sport news
Powered by
leisureopportunities.com
13 Mar 2024
Jen Holland takes over leadership of one of the UK's largest trusts, Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure has appointed Jen Holland as chief executive. She will take over from June Peebles on 18 March.
More>>
13 Mar 2024
Everyone Active snaps up North Herts contracts. Takes over from SLL

North Herts District Council has entered into a ten-year partnership with Everyone Active to run five of its leisure centres from 1 April.
More>>
 
Diary dates
Powered by
leisurediary.com
11-14 Apr 2024
FIBO Global Fitness

Exhibition Centre Cologne
Germany
More>>
22-24 Apr 2024
UK Aufguss Championships

Galgorm Resort York

More>>
10-12 May 2024
Asia Pool & Spa Expo

China Import & Export Fair Complex Guangzhou
China
More>>
 
Property & tenders
Powered by
leisureproperty.com
30 acres at Clays Lane, Debden Green, Loughton
Location: Loughton, IG10
Company:Knight Frank
More>>
Tender: retail units at The Engine Yard, Belvoir Castle
Location: Grantham, Leicestershire
Company:Belvoir Castle
More>>
To Let – Potterne Park Sports Ground
Location: Verwood, Dorset
Company:AVISON YOUNG
More>>

 
To advertise your product and
reach over 57,000 leisure buyers
call
+44 (0)1462 431385

Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd