Pilot Network of Smart Solar Benches on the Seafront
ΙΔΕΑ

Pilot Network of Smart Solar Benches on the Seafront

A pilot network of 5 to 8 smart solar benches will be installed at strategic points (e.g. from the Lighthouse to Egnatia Park). Their design lets visitors choose their view. Photovoltaic cells built into the seat store solar energy, which is then offered to users via wireless charging pads and a Wi-Fi hotspot, while at night the benches light up discreetly.

The Vision: Turning the seafront's street furniture into "smart" resting points. The benches will face both ways (sea and city) and offer pedestrians 100% green, free energy to charge their devices, free Wi-Fi and atmospheric night lighting.

Examples: Solar Smart Bench LST2 (BrasiT) · Smart Solar Bench set (EASYTAB).

Indicative Technical Specifications

  • Marine-grade materials: Built from 316L stainless steel, suited to coastal environments, with tempered anti-vandal solar glass.
  • Power: Built-in 60W-100W photovoltaic panels and gel batteries for autonomy even on cloudy days.
  • Technology: Wireless (Qi) charging to avoid corrosion from salt air, waterproof USB ports (IP67) and a built-in Wi-Fi router (4G/5G).
  • Double-sided design: A symmetrical design with no fixed tall backrest (or back-to-back), letting visitors sit facing either the Thracian Sea or the city.

Benefits

  • Digital services: Free charging and internet for locals and tourists.
  • Aesthetics & safety: Upgrades the city's design, while the benches' night LED lighting boosts the sense of safety.
  • Environmental message: Showcases everyday use of renewable energy.

Indicative Visuals (Concept)

Got an idea too?

Log in with your email to submit your own idea.

0 supporters since 05/09/2026

Suggested Location

Παραλιακή Λεωφόρος (πέριξ του Φάρου & παραλιακό μέτωπο).

Implementation Cost

20.000€ - 30.000€ (για πιλοτικό δίκτυο 5-8 παγκακιών).

Possible Funding Sources

Telecom providers (as sponsors, e.g. Cosmote/Vodafone Smart Cities), ESPA "Smart Cities" programme

Durability Rating

High

Vandalism/Damage Risk Rating

Medium

Construction Materials

316L stainless steel, tempered anti-vandal solar glass, 60W-100W photovoltaic panels, gel batteries, Qi wireless charger, 4G/5G Wi-Fi router.

Maintenance Requirements

Periodic cleaning of the panel glass from dust and bird droppings (part of the Municipality's routine cleaning). Battery checks every 3-5 years.

Real-World Examples

Suggested By

Ομάδα ALX.GR

You Might Also Like

Discover more suggestions from the same category.

The Sunset FrameΠΡΟΤΕΙΝΟΜΕΝΟNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

The Sunset Frame

A simple metal frame placed along the seafront, facing Samothraki, framing the sunset and offering a ready-made, striking photo spot.

The Sea Balcony (Natural Pool at the Egnatia Turn)ΠΡΟΤΕΙΝΟΜΕΝΟNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

The Sea Balcony (Natural Pool at the Egnatia Turn)

Building a state-of-the-art floating/fixed platform (e.g. 40 metres wide, 20 metres into the sea) at the level of the Egnatia Turn. The platform sits 20-30cm below the water surface and is surrounded by protective railings. Built from special, anti-slip marine materials (so it doesn't grow algae), it becomes a safe, shallow 'natural pool' right inside the Thracian Sea every summer.

The Musical Path of Colours (Interactive Floor)ΠΡΟΤΕΙΝΟΜΕΝΟNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

The Musical Path of Colours (Interactive Floor)

Replacing the abandoned, broken plastic paving on the pedestrian street before the Egnatia Turn (next to the tavernas) with a modern, durable 'Musical Path'. Industrial-grade, coloured blocks are installed in the ground. When children (or adults) step on them, the blocks produce soft musical notes and light up gently, creating an outdoor, interactive piano.

The Thracian Woman FountainΠΡΟΤΕΙΝΟΜΕΝΟNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

The Thracian Woman Fountain

A modern sculpture-fountain that will become a new landmark of Alexandroupoli. At its centre stands a sculpture of a Thracian woman in traditional dress. Its distinctive feature is that the skirt is not solid, but formed by hundreds of thin vertical streams of water. The sculpture rotates slowly (a full rotation every 3-5 minutes). At night, RGB LED lighting transforms the water into a luminous veil. The Vision: A landmark work that turns local tradition into contemporary art, offering a unique audiovisual experience and connecting history with the element of water.

The Fairy & Dandelion SculptureΠΡΟΤΕΙΝΟΜΕΝΟNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

The Fairy & Dandelion Sculpture

A striking metal ballerina-fairy sculpture holding a dandelion, designed to interact with air and water. Water is sprayed under fine pressure, creating the illusion of an airy, watery skirt, while dandelion seeds appear to drift on the wind. Hidden, warm LED lighting gives the piece a fairy-tale quality at night. The Vision: Creating a "magical" spot within the city that plays with the famous Thracian wind, turning a natural element into living art that captivates children and draws in visitors.

Kinetic Wind SculpturesNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

Kinetic Wind Sculptures

The sculptures run 100% autonomously on wind power, with no electricity. They're designed with aerodynamic vanes that "catch" the wind, offering a relaxing, almost hypnotic visual display. Installing 3 large pieces at strategic points (e.g. Egnatia Park, the seafront) would create a "Wind Trail" for pedestrians and cyclists. The Vision: Turning Thrace's strong wind from a nuisance... into a tourist attraction. Striking 3-5 metre metal sculptures placed along the seafront avenue. With moving parts that sway and rotate in harmony, they create a living artwork that constantly changes shape depending on the wind's direction and strength. The city gains new, contemporary landmarks.

Glowing Night PathsNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

Glowing Night Paths

Paths in parks and squares with a phosphorescent coating that charges from sunlight and glows softly at night, using no electricity.

A floating viewing deck beside the LighthouseNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

A floating viewing deck beside the Lighthouse

A small wooden deck extending out over the water next to the Lighthouse, perfect for sunsets, photos and a few quiet minutes above the sea. A small, inexpensive project with a big aesthetic payoff at the city's most photographed spot.

Interactive Musical SwingsNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

Interactive Musical Swings

A cluster of 6-8 swings is fitted with digital rotary encoders built into the hinges. Each swing "plays" different notes (e.g. piano, xylophone) depending on its motion, and when children swing in sync they produce full melodies. The musical scale is specifically designed (pentatonic) so the result is always harmonic, soothing and never jarring. The Vision: Simple play becomes collective music-making. The playground's swings act as one giant outdoor musical instrument, where the rhythm and height of each child's swinging composes a harmonic melody, turning the playground into a lively creative hub for the city.

Eco & Smart Showers: Sustainable Water Management at the BeachesNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

Eco & Smart Showers: Sustainable Water Management at the Beaches

The old beach showers are being replaced with modern, anti-vandal, flow-controlled models. Instead of fragile motion sensors, the system uses piezoelectric time-delay push buttons that automatically cut off the water after 15-20 seconds. The project also connects to the Municipality's Smart City network to detect hidden leaks in real time. The Vision: A drastic cut in water waste at the city's organised beaches (e.g. EOT Beach), without sacrificing bathers' comfort. Upgrading the infrastructure strengthens the Municipality's environmental profile, helps maintain Blue Flag status, and significantly reduces DEYAA's water supply costs.

The Thracian Sea Swings (Boho Sea Swings)NEW
ΙΔΕΑ

The Thracian Sea Swings (Boho Sea Swings)

A network of 3 to 5 sea swings will be installed in the shallows (30-50cm deep) of selected sandy beaches. The experience blends play, romance and the art of photography, using materials that blend harmoniously with the natural coastal landscape. The Vision: Creating Alexandroupoli's most photographed spot (an Instagram/TikTok hotspot), following the model of exotic destinations. Specially designed wooden swings with a "boho", natural aesthetic, placed in the shallow water, create the ultimate "frame" against the blue of the Thracian Sea, the silhouette of Samothrace and the sunset — free, organic, worldwide advertising for the area's tourism.

A greener seafront: trees and flowers suited to our climateNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

A greener seafront: trees and flowers suited to our climate

Systematic planting of tamarisks and oleanders along the seafront, which tolerate salt spray and wind, and plane trees in squares and main streets for summer shade. A little more greenery means a cooler city, less dust, and prettier streets for residents and visitors alike.

Digital Tourist Card «Alexandroupoli City Pass»NEW
ΙΔΕΑ

Digital Tourist Card «Alexandroupoli City Pass»

With no need to download complicated apps, visitors buy the card through a dedicated portal and add it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on their phone. The digital pass contains a unique QR code; at museums, on buses and at partner businesses (from restaurants and cafés to shops and gift stores), staff simply scan it with a smartphone to validate the benefit or discount. The Vision: A single "smart" card, right on the visitor's phone, that unlocks the Municipality's entire tourist experience. By buying the "Alexandroupoli City Pass" (for 24, 48 or 72 hours), tourists get free travel on the urban bus network (KTEL), free entry to the city's museums, special discounts at local-product, souvenir and dining spots, and perks on eco-tourism activities (e.g. the Evros Delta) or the ferry connection to Samothrace. The city is upgraded into a top Smart Tourism destination, boosting turnover in the local market.

The Sea Organ at Argo PierNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

The Sea Organ at Argo Pier

A sea-organ system built into the pier by Argo park, near the Lighthouse. Wave motion pushes air through underwater pipes, producing soft, natural music through openings in the pier deck - inspired by the Sea Organ of Zadar, Croatia.

Free underground parking beneath Independence ParkNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

Free underground parking beneath Independence Park

The centre is squeezed by cars parked along streets and pavements. A free underground car park beneath Independence Park would free up surface space for pedestrians and cyclists, without losing a single square metre of the park itself once it's restored on top.

Smart Misting StationsNEW
ΙΔΕΑ

Smart Misting Stations

Fine water-misting points in squares and waiting areas, cooling passers-by during heatwave months.