OXFORD STREET

TRANSFORMING A DISUSED SIDE STREET INTO A SMART AND ENGAGING SHOPPING DESTINATION

Consumers expect more from retailers, in terms of both their individual shopping experiences and the social impact of brands and businesses. The social environment on sustainability is changing and retailers need to change to keep up with the wants of consumers.

transforming a side street into a shopping destination

London's New West End company, a business partnership of 600 UK and International retailers, restaurateurs, hoteliers, galleries, and property owners in West London approached Pavegen with a task.

A side street in Central London, Bird Street, was sitting un-used next to one of the world's most renowned retail destinations, Oxford Street. NWE company wanted to advance this retail opportunity into Bird Street and needed an innovative way to bring in citizens and engage them with the area.

The world's first Smart Street

Pavegen built the world's first smart street and reinvigorated the local environment. A kinetic energy walkway was installed to harness the energy from visitors' footsteps.

To transform the neglected space into a smart and interactive shopping destination, Pavegen kinetic tiles were installed as a walkway. Footsteps from each citizen powered smart city applications such as interactive LED lighting and audio bird sounds on the street, creating an engaging sensory area for visitors.

footfall into engagement

The high footfall location allowed the kinetic walkway to generate more energy for the smart city applications. Visitors of all ages were encouraged to engage with the walkway to help power their surroundings through footsteps!

A Pavegen digital display provided real-time analytics from the kinetic walkway. This educated users on their individual impact on the environment as well as engaging them on NWE company's commitment to sustainability.

Pavegen-Oxford-Street-London_5

Empowering urban regeneration through footsteps

The smart street received global recognition and became a one-stop tourist destination. The engaging nature of the installation resulted in a large amount of footfall, with visitors ranging from tourists, locals, and children just to see the world’s first smart street.

a new retail destination

The new interactive infrastructure allowed shoppers to directly engage in and become part of a unique experience that made them active participants in sustainability.

They were enabled to shop knowing they were supporting organisations and businesses that shared their values and are committed to the environment and making positive impacts on the planet.