Innovative student groups from around the world have been recognized for their pioneering solutions to enhancing access to green spaces in urban areas, with their concepts ranging from smart canes for individuals with visual impairments to virtual green spaces for environments lacking in natural landscapes.

These initiatives emerged from Otis Worldwide Corporation’s annual Made to Move Communities™ Global Student Challenge. As urban populations swell and the struggle for adequate green spaces increases, students from multiple countries presented their ideas aimed at bettering city residents’ mental and physical health through improved urban design and technology.

Otis, a leader in elevator and escalator manufacturing and services, facilitated the challenge that saw participation from over 240 students across 15 countries. This not only serves as an interdisciplinary platform but also furthers Otis’ commitment to community engagement and educational outreach.

One of the notable projects includes a plan from students at Liceo Polivalente Rigoberto Fontt Izquierdo in Chile, who crafted a redevelopment initiative for an underutilized area outside Santiago. Highlighting the importance of reforestation and public-private collaboration, their project aims to facilitate easy public transport access to newly rejuvenated green areas.

Across the Pacific, students at China Jiliang University proposed a ‘smart, green elevator’ equipped to simulate an outdoor experience through visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory elements. This solution targets urban residents who might not easily access physical green spaces.

In Europe, Lykeio Irakleiou Attikis in Athens put forward a high-tech approach with a smart cane that provides sensory feedback, improving the mobility of visually impaired individuals in green spaces. Closer in concept but differing in execution, Taipei Municipal Zhongshan Girls High School in Taiwan innovated a wearable detector paired with smartphones to aid safe navigation in green spaces, reflecting a commitment to inclusive access.

These efforts underscore an emerging global trend towards integrating technology with urban planning to combat the challenges posed by growing urban centers. Such projects not only showcase young minds’ creativity but also highlight the role of educational institutions and corporations like Otis in fostering practical innovations that address real-world problems.

Randi Tanguay, Otis’ Chief Communications Officer, commended the students for their initiative and inventive approach to overcoming geographic and social barriers to green space. She reiterated Otis’ role in nurturing future talent, part of a broader initiative aligning with Otis’ ESG goals which include impacts through STEM education and substantial volunteerism by its employees.

Otis’ efforts in this regard contribute to a wider discourse on sustainable urban development, with green spaces widely recognized for their benefits in improving air quality, enhancing mental health, and fostering community cohesion. The student projects from the Made to Move Communities™ challenge offer scalable solutions that, if implemented, could significantly enhance urban dwellers’ quality of life globally.

As the programme continues to grow, it promises to introduce more such innovations, potentially transforming urban landscapes and the way people interact with their environments in cities around the world. To delve deeper into these projects and Otis’ continuous support for community centric solutions, additional details can be explored on their website and through their active social media presence.