Society. Spaces. Screens

Abstract

The convergence of digital technology and environmental stewardship presents both opportunities and challenges in contemporary urban coastal management. While smart city initiatives promise data-driven solutions, designing environmental monitoring systems that prioritize accessibility and usability for diverse stakeholders—including residents, policymakers, and researchers—is essential for fostering active community engagement and supporting ecological preservation efforts. This research explores the socio-technical implications of designing and implementing accessible environmental monitoring systems in urban coastal spaces. We present three interconnected digital platforms that bridge the gap between conventional environmental monitoring approaches and community-driven data collection. The first platform, the SMARTblox system, integrates advanced sensing technology into urban seawalls, creating a hybrid infrastructure that simultaneously serves as an ecological habitat and digital observatory. It monitors key parameters including pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen, and captures visual data on marine biodiversity. The Water Wand, citizens to become active environmental stakeholders through mobile sensing technology, enabling real-time flood monitoring and community-led environmental assessment through a user-friendly interface and cloud-based data-sharing platform. Our modular buoy system democratizes water quality monitoring through low-cost, adaptable technology, making professional-grade environmental data accessible to diverse stakeholders while enabling customization for specific research needs. Through these tools, we reimagine how digital platforms can enhance environmental stewardship by emphasizing accessibility and community engagement. Our approach demonstrates how participatory sensing networks strengthen community connections while generating valuable environmental data, creating new paradigms for civic participation in ecological monitoring.