Smart technology, AI and automation are becoming more and more commonplace in the management of everyday matters. As such, the application of these resources to the design and functionality of urban spaces appears to be an inevitability.

Indeed, we are already seeing the swift rise of “smart cities”, with Barcelona, Delhi, São Paulo, Shanghai and Tokyo earning themselves this title as a result of transformations that have taken place over recent years.

But what makes a smart city, and what associated changes can we expect to occur within our urban centers in the coming decades?

In this article, we explore some of the ways in which smart technology can revolutionise urban living and renting homes - and the governance approaches that will enable it to be implemented in as effective a manner as possible.

Infrastructure

A smart city’s infrastructure should be adaptable, with the aim of resolving current issues as a response to the analysis of data collected in public spaces and buildings. It should also have the capacity to predict the need for future changes, and to facilitate them as seamlessly as possible.

For example, smart technology may be employed to achieve the most effective public transport and traffic management systems possible, by analyzing data such as user volume at different times of day and generating solutions to prevent overcrowding or gridlock.

Society

Quality of life in cities, along with the effective use of space and resources, may also be improved through smart technology.

Solutions to challenges involving security and safety may be introduced through the implementation of facial recognition and other biometric systems in public places and businesses.

There is even the possibility to reduce overcrowding through data-driven town planning and zoning.

Furthermore, smart technology has the capacity to streamline the activities and processes of businesses operating within a managed urban area, improving services and potentially increasing the accessibility of jobs.

Additional improvements to quality-of-life factors and practical requirements may be influenced by data collected from sensors, IoT (internet of Things) devices and more.

The Environment and Green Spaces

We know that the importance of sustainability in the management of urban centers cannot be overstated.

For this reason, one of the most vital applications of smart technology in the development of cities lies in the field of responsible, “green” solutions.

From the generation of renewable power - including solar, wind and hydroelectricity - to the ecologically friendly disposal and recycling of waste (and even its potential conversion into new energy sources) - smart cities can significantly reduce our effect on the environment.

We have already mentioned the power of smart technology when it comes to the quality of life of city residents - and this issue extends into the design and maintenance of green spaces.

Data capture and analysis can aid in decisions regarding the placement of parks and open areas, with matters such as safety and urban layout taken into account, along with the volume of trees and greenery required to offset the production of carbon dioxide and other gasses.

Governance

One of the most important aspects of the development of a smart city is responsible and effective governance.

All data capture must be managed ethically, responsibly, transparently and with the correct consents. After all, progress of this kind should uphold the rights of the residents of the city in question - and respond to their needs.

Those tasked with managing the smart technology that powers the cities of the future will likely be required to:

• Identify the unique requirements and goals of their particular city
• Determine and justify the elements to be implemented
• Impart clear and accessible information about those elements and their benefits to the general public
• Deploy suitable and responsible methods of data capture and analysis
• Respond effectively to data analysis in order to develop relevant features of the urban space effectively and within budget
• Employ responsible and comprehensive encryption and security measures to prevent loss or theft of data

Through the considered implementation of new data-driven features, the quality of life of city residents may be improved - along with the infrastructure that facilitates the efficient activities of businesses and individuals alike.

The environmental impact of buildings, vehicles and organizations may also be more easily and effectively mitigated using technology of this kind.

When coupled with the innovative and ethical collection and use of information, carefully developed smart technology and automation may offer an exciting and fulfilling future for urban spaces.