While smartphones and mobile devices have improved in leaps and bounds over the last few years, many of us still face one challenge on an almost daily basis: Will my mobile device last through the day or run out of juice when I need it most? The quest to find a power outlet is one that repeats itself countless times across the globe every day. Enter CityCharge, a charging station designed specifically for public spaces.
The idea is simple. When you have a free spare moments, you make your way down to your nearest park, plug your device into the CityCharge to top up the battery and perhaps even engage with others doing the same. Your device is recharged, you perhaps meet someone new and you enjoy the public spaces around you.
The CityCharge is a solar-powered charging station that comes with six charging cables compatible with most electronic devices. It also features a communal table to encourage social interaction between those charging those devices. Designed as a piece of street furniture, it is built of carbon steel with an electro-coated and polyester powder-coated finish to allow it to remain outdoors all year long. It also comes with five wheels on swivel casters with brakes to make it easy to move around as needed and its electronic components can be remotely monitored. The solar panel that tops it can be manually rotated to catch as much sun as possible.
Best of all, the CityCharge is well beyond the concept stage at this point point. It is being tested this summer in Bryant Park in New York City. The three companies behind it, Green Barrel, Bryant Park, and Landscapeforms, have identified and are implementing a number of improvements based and plan to bring the final version to market in the near future.
Source : Bryant Park Blog