In Sense City, scientists make rain or shine. This laboratory, made up of two mini-cities, is equipped with a mobile climatic chamber, unique in Europe, making it possible to simulate all kinds of climatic events and episodes of pollution.
In this controlled environment filled with sensors, researchers from Iffstar (French Institute of Science and Technology for Transport, Planning and Networks) are testing prototype equipment to prepare the city of tomorrow for global warming. Going from a temperature of -10°C to +40°C or by increasing the humidity up to 95%, they characterize and model the impact of these extreme climatic conditions on our soils, our homes and our urban furniture. .
Among their research work, dwellings entirely in raw earth, from bricks, to sub-layers and coating. This material self-regulates the temperature and humidity of a room and would thus reduce the use of air conditioning. To contribute to urban cooling, researchers are studying the actions between water, soil, plants and atmosphere to rethink greening in the city center and the management of rainwater.
Intended for researchers, the mini-city also collaborates with industrialists and public authorities wishing to carry out experimental work and thus make the best use of the energies that surround us.