Vol. 11 No. 4 (2024): Special Issue - Smart and Sustainable Cities: Technological Cases for Teaching

Presented by Invited Editors

Prof. Dr. Janaína Macke and Prof. Dr. Ana Cristina Fachinelli Bertolini, PPGA and City Living Lab UCS.

Why Smart and Sustainable Cities: Technological Cases for Teaching?

The rapid urbanization of our world is an undeniable reality. More than half of the global population now resides in urban areas, projected to grow substantially in the coming decades. This urban influx comes with complex challenges –environmental concerns, resource constraints, social inequalities, and transportation gridlock. In response to these challenges, cities are reimagining themselves as smart and sustainable ecosystems, leveraging technology and innovative solutions to transform urban living.

Smart cities represent the nexus of advanced technology and urban planning, striving to enhance quality of life while upholding environmental stewardship. Central to their success is not only the deployment of data-driven approaches and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies but also the active engagement of citizens. These cities harness technology to optimize resources, improve infrastructure, and provide superior public services, yet their true potential is realized through citizen participation and social initiatives. Engaging residents in the decision-making process, leveraging their insights for urban development, and ensuring technology benefits all segments of society are crucial aspects of smart cities. This inclusion leads to more equitable, community-focused solutions, addressing issues like socio-economic disparities and enhancing overall urban resilience. Elements such as sustainable energy, efficient waste management, smart transportation, and public safety are interwoven with citizen engagement to address the multifaceted challenges of urbanization. As such, smart cities are evolving entities, continuously adapting to new technologies, societal shifts, and the active contributions of their inhabitants. This edition engage practical cases to discuss both theory and practice of Smart and Sustainable Cities challenges.