Today, as the world's population reaches its zenith, surpassing 8.0 billion according to the United Nations (UN), albeit not in a laudable context, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history. This dramatic surge, forecasted to soar past 10 billion by the 2080s, is propelled by a confluence of factors: from the remarkable rise in longevity to the relentless march of urbanization, and the accelerating currents of global migration. Yet, amidst this population explosion lies a pressing challenge – how to accommodate and sustainably manage the density of burgeoning urban centers.
While the Earth itself is a finite round object suspended in space, what's inside it appears to neglect the fundamental fact of its occupation of space ─ treating it as if it possesses infinite resources and land. Similarly, many other living beings, although some have become extinct, are both enlarged and reproduced by humans. As a byproduct of predetermined actions and unintended consequences ─ is ironically boomeranged back to its initiators. We harnessed natural resources, reaped Earth's energies, and sowed poisons back to the whole.
The scarcity of essential resources has become a prevailing concern in our time. Cities worldwide find themselves ensnared in gridlock, a consequence of relentless human expansion. Yet amidst these challenges, a crucial realization emerges: within our global community of 8 billion, lies a reservoir of expertise and talent capable of staving off imminent catastrophe and reshaping the destiny of all life on Earth. Indeed, when we reflect on the foundations of our civilization, it becomes apparent that the groundwork has been laid by the ingenuity and innovation of engineering.
Today, world governments seek common ground in the most effective ways of sustaining and restoring the quality of all lives, as many cities have emitted an exceeding amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are plaguing and contaminating the planet. Consequently, their constructions of buildings exude chemicals and contaminants that are harmful to both human health and the environment. This urgent need for change has spurred a global movement towards sustainable urban development and smart cities. Urban mobility plays a pivotal role in this transformation, offering solutions to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, and enhance overall quality of life. By embracing innovative technologies and adopting sustainable transportation practices, cities can mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization while fostering a more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable future.
What are smart cities?
Defined by the European Commission (EC), a smart city harnesses digital solutions to optimize traditional networks and services, offering tangible benefits to both residents and businesses. This concept transcends mere technological advancements, striving to enhance resource efficiency, mitigate emissions, and foster sustainable urban development. From smarter transportation systems to upgraded water and waste management facilities, and from energy-efficient building infrastructure to responsive city governance, the essence of a smart city lies in its holistic approach to urban sustainability.
Photo by Appolinary Kalashnikova on Unsplash
The intriguing question persists: why do smart cities hold such promise as harbingers of a sustainable future? Perhaps it lies in their role as indicators of a nation's readiness to embrace innovation and secure a better tomorrow. They symbolize the convergence of expertise, awareness, and technology, poised to create environments that prioritize the well-being of their inhabitants and the longevity of the planet.
In this dynamic landscape, smart cities emerge not only as proof of technological progress but also as beacons of hope, signaling humanity's collective efforts toward a more sustainable and resilient future. They embody the fusion of tradition and innovation, serving as laboratories for experimentation and innovation, while also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, smart cities offer a glimpse into the possibilities of tomorrow, where sustainability and progress intertwine to shape the cities of the future.
As we contemplate the potential of smart cities to address the pressing challenges of urbanization and sustainability, it becomes evident that the realization of this vision hinges upon the ingenuity and expertise of engineers. Engineering practices play a crucial role in the design, development, and implementation of the technological solutions that underpin the concept of smart cities. From designing efficient transportation systems to developing sustainable infrastructure and leveraging data analytics for informed decision-making, engineers are at the forefront of shaping the cities of the future. In the following sections, we will delve into the specific engineering practices and innovations driving the transformation towards smarter, more sustainable urban environments.
Approaches to smart city transformation
Photo by Conny Schneider on Unsplash
While delving deeper into the concept of smart cities and their potential to reshape urban landscapes, it's crucial to understand the foundational approaches that underpin their transformation. According to Jim Frazer, a consulting team leader at ARC Advisory, there are nine key approaches that serve as the building blocks of a truly smart city. These approaches provide invaluable insights into the essential components and strategies necessary for the embodiment of a smart city vision. Let's explore these approaches in detail to gain a comprehensive understanding of how engineering practices drive the evolution of urban environments toward sustainability and innovation.
Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash
Photo by Sergio Sala on Unsplash
These strategies exemplify the pivotal steps taken by forward-thinking cities to establish robust foundations for progress. Consider Singapore as a prime example, renowned for its vibrant startups, thriving economy, and more ─ although faced with geographic constraints, the country grapples with a high population density of over 8,000 individuals per square kilometer. In 2014, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the ambitious "Smart Nation" initiative, allocating $2.4 billion to propel the nation forward. Key priorities include bolstering public transportation networks, fostering successful aging initiatives, and cultivating a secure yet accessible data ecosystem. At the heart of Singapore's efforts lies the Smart Nation Sensor Platform (SNSP), which meticulously tracks and analyzes data pertaining to housing, amenities, and public infrastructure.
Photo by Aurora Ferreira on Unsplash
Copenhagen, on the other hand, aims for the peak of the mountain ─ striving to become the world's first carbon-neutral city by 2025. At the forefront of Copenhagen's smart initiatives is their City Data Exchange, a collaborative effort between private and public entities to explore the potential of data exchange. Essentially, this project seeks to establish a platform where citizens can buy, sell, and exchange data with each other, institutions, and organizations/companies ─ a pioneering venture in integrating private and public data exchange in one centralized location. Denmark has long been a leader in data management, with decades of experience in digitizing services across various sectors, positioning them well to efficiently execute such projects. Moreover, stringent measures are in place to ensure only anonymized data is utilized in this initiative. The costs associated with data gathering and processing are expected to be offset through subscription and service fees, offering a more cost-effective alternative to traditional government-led data extraction and integration methods. Spearheaded by the tech-innovative company Hitachi, this project is a collaborative effort involving Copenhagen Municipality, the Capital Region, and CLEAN (Danish clean-tech cluster).
Photo by Christoph Schulz on Unsplash
Meanwhile, Dubai has emerged as a pioneering hub for digitalizing all government services. This comprehensive initiative comprises approximately 100 projects spanning various sectors such as transport, communications, infrastructure, electricity, economic services, and urban planning. Presently, nearly 90 government services have been successfully digitalized and made accessible through the DubaiNow app. For instance, residency services, such as applying for an entry permit or sponsoring a family member, can now be conveniently accessed through this platform. Dubai city officials estimated significant cost savings of 900 million UAE dirhams ($245 million) by eliminating paper transactions upon the project's completion. Additionally, the implementation of an AI-powered monitoring system for bus drivers by the Road and Transit Authority has resulted in a notable reduction in traffic accidents caused by driver fatigue.
Lessons from smart cities
The world's leading smart cities have embarked on a different transformative journey, intersecting various foundational approaches to redefine urban living. From robust connectivity networks to advanced data analytics, these cities are pioneering innovative solutions to address complex urban challenges and enhance the quality of life.
Depending on the context of each country, smart cities have embraced a diverse array of strategies tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. Let's explore how these approaches intersect and shape the evolution of smart cities worldwide.
Examples of connectivity solutions include citywide WiFi networks, cellular networks, and specialized networks for electric metering, street lighting, and traffic signal control. Key technologies required for effective connectivity should exhibit characteristics such as low power consumption, wide geographic coverage, affordability, and long battery life, enabling continuous operation and data transmission across diverse urban environments.
This encompasses a wide array of devices, including smart meters for monitoring electricity, water, and gas consumption, air quality sensors, surveillance cameras, and Intelligent Transportation Systems technology integrated into roadways. Examples of instrumentation and control devices include switches, breakers, and other hardware that allow operators to measure, monitor, and remotely control infrastructure components, ensuring efficient and optimized operation of urban systems.
This also extends to include police body cameras, video surveillance systems, and other edge devices. Moreover, the emergence of quantum computing promises to revolutionize optimization and simulation tasks, with interconnected quantum computers poised to drive significant advancements in computational capabilities.
To conclude the cruciality of sustainability pursuit, the World Economic Forum (WEF) underscored the multifaceted challenges facing cities globally, ranging from congestion and population growth to inadequate infrastructure and vulnerability to climate change. Smart city applications offer innovative solutions to address these challenges, ranging from waste management and traffic congestion to citizen safety and affordable housing. By leveraging digital technologies, smart cities can enhance resource management, promote sustainable development, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. Moreover, these initiatives enable cities to leapfrog certain stages of development, accelerating progress toward a more inclusive and resilient urban future.
---
References:
https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/population
https://www.statista.com/statistics/262884/countries-with-the-highest-fertility-rates/
https://www.thesmartcityjournal.com/en/articles/smart-cities-futuristic-vision
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/smartcities
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/smart-cities/
https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-city-rankings/population-density-by-city
https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/4/2/33
https://www.techtarget.com/searchapparchitecture/definition/interoperability
https://www.epa.gov/smm/basic-information-about-built-environment
https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Smart_at_Scale_Cities_to_Watch_25_Case_Studies_2020.pdf
https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/top-10-growing-smart-cities
928, 11th Floor Natural and Environmental Building Science Center for Education, Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, 10110 THAILAND