FEATURE early Smart City pioneers like Singapore , Helsinki and Zurich , but those with the cleverest use of technology tend to stand out . For example , the City of Dubuque , Iowa in the USA has created improvements in both public safety and traffic management by employing the same network cameras for each purpose . Milan in Italy , too , has taken similar steps , combining cameras and laser sensors to offer operators a complete , automated picture of both pedestrians and cars . Creativity is really the key , and we are far from seeing what Smart Cities are truly capable of .
How is the construction sector adapting to the demands of Smart City development , and what new technologies and methods are being employed ?
The construction sector can benefit from all the data , simulation and analysis that Smart Cities generate , just as any other industry can . To encourage greater EV uptake , for example , many companies plan the locations of charging stations around precise data surrounding road use . More than simple planning , though , we have noticed that new buildings are now being designed to meet the demands of Smart Cities , and are incorporating the cameras , sensors and sustainable materials that such initiatives demand directly into their plans . Retrofitting is important , but future-fitting is vital .
What are some common misconceptions about Smart Cities , and how do these misunderstandings impact public perception and policy-making ?
The biggest misconception is that there is a ‘ onesize-fits-all ’ solution for Smart Cities . Each city is unique , and its use of technology will be different . And we must come back to trust : some , both in the public and policy-making worlds , worry about the impact of AI , and about the impact widespread sensor use could have on privacy . Modern technology enables AI to work safely , and cameras to be employed for smart applications without any impact on privacy . The backlash against them slows the development of smart processes which could revolutionise safety , law enforcement , urban mobility and climate action . �
36 www . intelligentbuild . tech