Technology has been advancing at a rapid pace, causing significant changes in the world. The fields of architecture and construction are no exception to this trend. We see technology being used in various aspects of our daily lives, such as smart appliances, laptops, smartphones, and more. This raises the question of why technology should not be implemented in the development of smart cities.
At AAA Architect Inc., we recognize the significance of keeping up with technological advancements. In this blog, we discuss how architecture impacts the future of urban environments, specifically, smart cities and technology usage to facilitate net zero goals.
What is a Smart City?
In 2018, the United Nations reported that 55% of the world's population currently resides in cities, and this percentage is projected to increase to 68% by 2050. Urbanization and global population growth are expected to lead to an additional 2.5 billion people living in urban areas by 2050. As of 2018, the most urbanized regions were Oceania (68%), Europe (74%), and Latin America and the Caribbean (81%). In Northern America, 82% of the population lived in urban areas. Asia has reached about 50% urbanization, while Africa still has a significant proportion of its population living in rural areas (43%). We need a sustainable solution to combat the negative externalities of hyper-urbanization.
A smart city combines technology and data collection to maximize efficiency, connect residents and have a positive impact on them. It leverages data analysis and artificial intelligence to make the most of the city's physical infrastructure for better cultural and economic development. Governments encourage citizen participation in decision-making, which allows for flexibility in response to changing conditions. By using technology to solve problems and monitor progress, the goal of developing a smart city is to improve the quality of life for its residents.
Integrating IoT in Urban Planning
Urban planning is a complex and multidimensional process involving various stakeholders, such as community members, engineers, architects, and city officials. The goal of urban planning is to create livable, sustainable, and inclusive cities that cater to the needs of their residents. City planners require accurate and timely data on various aspects of urban life, including public safety, energy consumption, and transportation, to achieve this goal. The Internet of Things (IoT) can be a valuable tool in this regard.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected devices capable of communicating with one another and with humans. IoT devices can be deployed throughout a city to gather data on several aspects of urban life as part of urban planning. For instance, sensors on traffic lights can help optimize traffic patterns and monitor traffic flow. Similarly, air quality sensors can track pollution levels across the city and guide air quality-improving policies. IoT devices can also enhance urban public safety. For example, smart cameras and sensors can identify and address potential safety risks in public areas.
According to Analytics Steps, the Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to revolutionize urban planning by providing decision-makers with real-time data. By utilizing IoT devices to collect and analyze data on various aspects of urban life, urban planners can create more sustainable, efficient, and livable cities for all.
We’re excited about the technological innovations that can help create smart cities. Out of numerous approaches, we have focused on one primary approach that will usher in a new era for our industry in the creation of smart cities.