Two new guides for climate-smart cities
How cities manage water is one of our planet’s greatest challenges. Faced with new water and climate extremes, cities need to radically rethink every aspect of infrastructure, urban planning, and water governance. In two new policy briefs, SIWI experts show how cities can succeed and why this is a shared responsibility.
The Future of Infrastructure: Solar Roadways and Smart Cities
As we look toward the future of infrastructure, two key concepts stand out: solar roadways and smart cities. These innovative ideas are set to revolutionize our urban landscapes, transforming the way we live, work, and interact with our environment.
Smart cities and energy usage: where is most electricity wasted?
In 2050, around 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas compared with 57% today. Cities are, therefore, our future and the board on which the transition towards net zero energy will be developed. Where do they waste more energy?
Could an ultra-white paint cool the cities of the future?
Recently, Xiulin Ruan, a Purdue University professor of mechanical engineering, created the whitest paint on record, capable of reflecting 98.1% of sunlight. His plan: paint entire cities in order to cool them.
What is pervious concrete and how can it be used in cities
Over the past century, the way in which city surfaces have been paved has led to local flooding. Pervious concrete is a solution worth studying to avoid scenarios of cities sinking due to a lack of groundwater.
Surveillance camera statistics: which cities have the most CCTV cameras?
The deployment and level of sophistication of technology can be an ally for cities, but also a risk if it falls into the wrong hands or its limits are not clearly defined. Which are the most surveilled cities in the world?
AI used to monitor and optimise Swedish road infrastructure
Computer vision and machine learning specialist, Univrses, will work with the Swedish Transport Administration to digitise and manage roadside infrastructure.
How to implement a smart bike lane strategy
Designing and laying a bike lane is not as easy as painting a line along a road or on the sidewalk. Smart bike lanes are those that are implemented following scientific recommendations.
60 Years of Barbie Architecture: When Popular Culture Meets Design
In her 1959 debut by Mattel, Barbie became a doll that transformed the toy industry and has been a popular culture icon ever since. 3 years later, the first accompanying Barbie Dollhouse was created, a home for Barbie representing her domestic, habitual, and day-to-day life. Over the past 60 years, Barbie Dreamhouses have changed and evolved, each iteration adopting the architectural and design fads of the eras in which they were produced.
Cities as Living Laboratories: The Smart City Projects of Amsterdam, Singapore, and Barcelona
Cities are a canvas for architectural creativity and the dynamism of urban life. In recent years, they have taken on an additional role: that of living laboratories for innovative architecture and urban design.