TECH TOWNS
Laying the foundations for our Cities of the future
Smart cities use technology to increase operational efficiency, share information with the public and improve both the quality of government services and citizen welfare. What’s not to love? Introducing the next-generation cities coming to a continent near you
More than 70 per cent of the world’s population is predicted to live in urban areas by 2050, threatening the security of clean water supplies, sustainable food sources and sufficient energy resources. To combat these issues, governments and private investors are founding Smart Cities, metropoles of the future built from scratch using the pioneering technology to deliver a new wave of urban habitat.
The use of the latest technology is not only improving efficiency to meet the needs of growing urban populations, but it’s also being harnessed to protect the planet. Climate change is being combated by ‘Smart Cities’, planned metropoles which are seen to be finding ways
to improve energy efficiency, means of waste disposal and optimum transportation systems.
Smart Cities rely on a network of connectivity - also known as The Internet of Things (IoT) - whereby physical devices such as cars or mobiles, are connected digitally and are able to exchange data. This merging between the physical and the digital adopts a data analytical approach to running the city - by using the data the city can be monitored and altered to ensure it’s running to optimum efficiency.
Some of the most forward-thinking cities are infiltrating this ‘Smart’ way of life into the everyday running of their communities. Here’s what a few favourites have planned for the future.
Belmont, Arizona
Who? Bill Gates
How big? 24,800 acres
The Plan: Bill Gates’
Mt. Lemmon Holdings has invested $80 million into transforming a plot of land in Arizona into ‘Belmont’ - “A City of the Future”. The proposed settlement will consist of 470 acres of public schools, 80,000 homes, 3,800 acres of offices, retail and commercial spaces. This ‘Smart’ community will have cutting-edge technology at the heart of their communication and infrastructure, with high-speed digital networks, self-driving cars, new manufacturing technologies and distribution models, and autonomous logistic hubs.
Dubai, UAE
Who? His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
How big? 2,900 acres
The Plan: Dubai has big plans to use technology to deliver a smart city branded as “the happiest city on earth”. The Smart way of life starts from the top, with the Emirates government planning to become the world’s first ever blockchain system that will employ paperless transactions city-wide from visas to real estate, ensuring simplicity, safety and security. Beyond robotisation of systems, the community of Dubai is using the latest technological advancements to optimise public services. From a 3D printing hub to 25 per cent of the city’s travel being automated and driverless, this unique approach will use an interconnected network of data to provide a seamless citizen experience.
Toronto, Canada
Who? Waterfront Toronto & Sidewalk Labs
How big? 800 acres
The Plan: On its way to becoming a world-class archetype of post-industrial urban development, Toronto’s eastern waterfront area is currently being transformed by a collaboration between Waterfront Toronto and Sidewalk Labs. The intention is to create an urban space using the best design methods coupled with the latest technology, tackling the challenges presented by rapid city growth, such as environmental damage, affordability for residents and safety within public areas, and offering an interconnected network of devices to enable the city to function at optimum efficiency. One key feature of this collaboration aims to dissuade private vehicle usage and promote public transport, cycling and walking as preferred modes of transportation. This will massively reduce carbon emissions as well as creating a controlled service that can be monitored and streamlined.
Kochi, Kerala, India
Who? Smart City Infrastructure PVT - the Government of Kerala have a 16% stake and Dubai Holding has 84%.
How big? 246 Acres
The Plan: In a country where recycling and efficient waste disposal has been low on the agenda, India’s Smart City hints at a brighter future. Joining Kerala’s growing IT ecosystem is Smart City Kochi, an integrated business township that’s putting sustainability at the forefront of its planning. This hub will include tower-blocks featuring residential apartments, hospitals, an international school for 5,000 students, shopping centres and a recreational park. On the theme of low environmental impact, the natural habitat and vegetation will be preserved and co-exist alongside the township, supported by a ‘zero discharge zone’ policy whereby each tower is responsible for implementing a recyclable sewage system.