Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier – the urban quarter in Hamburg, Germany – is set to install innovative flooring technology to harness the kinetic power of visitors’ footsteps to generate energy.
The project, in partnership with London-based green tech company Pavegen, will involve the destination engaging its visitors in more sustainable spaces. The tech captures the energy from footsteps to generate power for a number of charging benches, which consumers can then use to recharge their devices.
The idea is that visitors will be able to see the direct impact of their involvement thanks to an energy dashboard updating on the number of steps and energy generated. This is part of parent group Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s vision of creating “sustainable, high-quality real estate assets” across Europe and the US.
Pavegen’s interactive floor tiles convert footsteps into small amounts of electrical energy, data points, and engagement – with each step powering a LED light for up to 20 seconds or charging a mobile phone.
Its installations are located around the world, including at The Loop in Dubai, The Quayside in Hong Kong, and transport hubs around the world.
Theda J. Mustroph, quartiersmanager at Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, said: “We are dedicated to developing lasting urban environments that captivate and motivate people.
“Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier in Hamburg is designed to bring together forward-looking models for urban living, working, shopping and socialising in a vibrant meeting place. Interconnectivity is key and we are thrilled to offer an inviting environment where guests and habitants can harness their energy – and see it put to work for them in a vibrant and engaging way.”
Laurence Kemball-Cook, CEO & co-founder of Pavegen, added: “Westfield was Pavegen’s first ever client so we are delighted to continue to build on this relationship at their newest retail experience.
“Awareness of climate change and sustainability is at an all-time high and we need to find ways to engage people and places.”
He added: “Installing our technology in such a prominent and high footfall retail environment can only help create more awareness of sustainability while also providing a useful opportunity for visitors to recharge their devices.”
Read more about Westfield’s work in sustainability
[image credit: Pavegen]
