Going towards the SmartCity concept
As great as the idea of growing world sounds, this rapid growth of the world population is giving birth to numerous problems like energy crisis, water shortage, transportation problems, and property shortage, etc. Modern problems require smart solutions, and for that purpose, we need to build intelligent cities.
We discussed Internet-of-Things (IoT) in previous articles as well. In intelligent cities or smart cities, the concept is to use the same IoT devices, such as smart sensors, to collect data remotely without much human intervention and then use it to solve its residents' daily life problems. Now the question here is, how do we build or convert our current cities into intelligent cities? We must take the initiative by developing intelligent buildings because it is impossible to block an entire existing town and then create a smart structure from scratch. We need to develop facilities that use automated processes to manage operations like security systems, elevators, air-conditioning, fire protection, heating, lighting, among others. Until when hundreds of intelligent structures sum up, it will form a smart city.
Some of the outstanding features of intelligent buildings and cities include:
- Intelligent cities provide fair and affordable housing, which is a great benefit, especially for the underprivileged.
- Smart cities provide smart security systems which reduce the crime rate dramatically.
- Smart cities offer effective transportation systems that improve mobility. Smart parking is an excellent example because it enables drivers to locate a free spot without wasting much time.
- Smart cities ensure a secure electricity supply.
- Enhanced connectivity of these cities allows patients to contact doctors in no time, even if they are miles away.
- These cities use automated processes that reduce a lot of human effort.
- Intelligent cities provide sufficient water supply.

Through smart sensors, buildings can talk to each other and make specific changes that could reduce energy consumption. According to Forbes Insights, senior leaders, when presented with whether building management technologies have produced a ROI, 66% responded positively. That implies smart city projects would be great investment opportunities for investors.
Intelligent buildings would be so much cost-effective eventually. In most buildings, systems like security, fire protection, ventilation, and lighting are controlled and managed by human beings, and they have to be paid for doing their jobs. Although in smart buildings scenario is quite different, in smart buildings these systems are controlled and managed by intelligent devices, which cuts down many financial burdens. Various cities in the world are on their way to become fully automated since they are spending loads of money on building and deploying smart devices.
Hundreds of billions of dollars are being spent on building smart buildings and smart cities these days. In fact, according to Business Insider, Copenhagen uses smart sensors to monitor the city's bike traffic. This assists them in improving the bike routes in the city. Amsterdam is also striving to offer households with solar panels connected to the city's smart grid.
Humans all over history have craved a smarter life. Smarter cities would provide a smarter lifestyle. Engineers, architectures, and construction specialists worldwide are trying their best to lay the foundation for intelligent future-proof towns. Bringing smartness to every aspect of life is their ultimate goal. Futuristic smart cities would possess all the facilities men can think of. It would conserve a lot of energy and other resources that otherwise might have wasted.