Based at Columbia University in New York City, the Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3) is a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center established in 2022. Its stated aim is to improve life on streets by advancing livable, safe and inclusive communities through research and partnerships. 125
CS3 is led by Columbia University, with Florida Atlantic University, Lehman College, Rutgers University and the University of Central Florida as core academic partners. Its director and principal investigator is Andrew W. Smyth, a Columbia professor of civil engineering and engineering mechanics; Jason Hallstrom of Florida Atlantic University serves as deputy director and chief research officer. 21110
The center brings together researchers, students, community members, government officials and industry partners. Its work spans fundamental and applied research, education and student leadership, ecosystem partnerships, and community and culture. 1 The NSF describes its research as developing real-time, hyperlocal technologies for streets and their surroundings. 2 The center’s planned urban testbeds are in New York City, West Palm Beach, Florida, and New Brunswick, New Jersey, where applications are developed with community organizations and municipal agencies. 510
A notable applied project is CS3’s collaboration with New York City’s Fire Department on emergency medical response. The work, begun in 2019, has focused on ambulance routing, balancing hospital demand and aligning staffing with demand. 6 The center also runs education and workforce programs, including research experiences for undergraduates and teachers, and its VALIDATE accelerator for community-inspired challenges. 1