AURA “Green & Smart Urban Furniture”

In the perspective of smart cities, the interest in a new integration between artificial and natural features to face environmental issues is increasing. This paper [1] intends to highlight the approach pursued by AURA research, an ongoing project that focuses on the use of biofilters (Nature Based Solution) in combination with sensors for environmental monitoring (Internet of Things), inserted in modular industrialized elements for a new generation of urban furniture. Therefore, the AURA project aims to contribute to the development of a real digital democracy, based on environmental data sharing and community engagement, representing a typical design driven innovation process that involves both the techno-science and social innovation levels.