City Concept Research Articles

Empowering smart cities with digital twins of buildings: Applications and implementation considerations of data-driven energy modelling in building management

Smart buildings and cities are rapidly emerging as solutions to address the challenges of efficiency, urbanisation, and sustainability in the sector. The study proposes deploying data-driven digital twins for smart buildings by utilising the available building’s technology and IT infrastructure to complement and augment existing functions. The digital twin will consist of a core data-driven energy model and a 2D visual representation of the building’s systems, with the potential for future evolution into a 3D model. This study aims to present a preliminary investigation into the idea of data-driven digital twins in building management towards enhancing the operations of smart buildings and empowering the concept of smart cities. It is demonstrated on a building on the campus of Qatar University. With an emphasis on the air conditioning systems of the building, considering their substantial contribution to overall energy consumption, the study maintains an open approach to also encompass other energy systems within the buildings, and presents a comparative evaluation between simulation-based and data-driven modelling on the case study, as well as an exploration of various machine learning algorithms that can be used. Furthermore, exploring essential smart applications of the building’s data-driven digital twin. Practical Application The study provides a comprehensive exploration of the practical aspects of deploying data-driven digital twins for smart buildings, addressing challenges related to data collection, model development, integration with building infrastructure, and potential limitations. The paper aims to advance the field of facility management and promote smart and sustainable practices in building operations. By contributing to the existing knowledge in facility services and management, our study offers practical guidance towards optimising building performance, reducing energy consumption, and fostering sustainable urban development.

Governance Analysis in Driving Smart City Policy in Aceh

This study wants to analyze the implementation of smart city which is a concept of city development based on technology. The smart city concept consists of several aspects including smart governance, smart society, smart living, smart economy, smart environment, and smart branding. Aceh is one of the Indonesian provinces that initiated the smart city concept for the development of each regency/city. The research aims to analyze governance in encouraging smart city policies in Aceh. This research method uses a mixed method approach, which is a combination of quantitative approaches used to see facts that occur based on government system data that has been carried out; and qualitative method in building a narrative on the Aceh governance system based on smart city indicators which is on target or not. The results of this study show that there are several regencies/cities in Aceh that have implemented smart city-based governance. One of which is Banda Aceh City. This study recommends that the Government of Aceh should further socialize smart city-based governance so that the government of each regency/city in Aceh implements smart city governance to actualize a prosperous, harmonious, and simpler bureaucratic society.
 Keywords: smart city, governance, government

Incorporating Citizen Science to Enhance Public Awareness in Smart Cities: The Case Study of Balaguer

The concept of a smart city is becoming increasingly popular to improve citizens’ quality of life. Institutions are also committed to enhancing the sustainability of cities by implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper presents a Balaguer case study investigating energy demand monitoring, decreasing energy demand, and citizen acceptance in a municipality district. The study collected data from three sources: (1) quantitative data coming from on-site sensors; (2) quantitative data from a simulation of the area; and (3) qualitative data from questionnaires developed with a totem located in the city center. This study shows the importance of citizen science in contributing towards the increased awareness of energy demand, renewable energy, and climate change. But it also shows how citizen science can improve research quality involving the municipality authorities. This study also was instrumental in contributing to the increase in awareness among municipality authorities and capacity building on the topic. This activity may also contribute towards the implementation of actions to reduce the energy demand in public buildings and helping them in deploying policies to decrease energy demand in buildings, increase the use of renewable energy, and increase awareness among citizens. The government will use the information gathered to develop policies for citizen improvement.

Built environment and the evolution of the “15-minute city”: A 25-year longitudinal study of 200 Swedish cities

This article aims to examine how key features of the built environment have influenced the development of the 15-minute city in Swedish cities. Using longitudinal register data geocoded at a 100-meter level and encompassing the entire population and workplaces, we track the 200 largest Swedish cities over a 25-year period (1992–2017). The 15-minute city is operationalized as the proportion of the population in each city that can access a range of non-work urban social functions within a short distance from home. The study uses various multivariate modeling techniques, including fixed effect models, to measure the effects of changes in the built environment. We thus address significant research gaps by investigating the dynamic nature of the 15-minute city concept, conducting comparisons within and across multiple cities, and considering the influence of the built environment, particularly in smaller cities. Results show that population size has less significance than expected, and that smaller cities can achieve certain criteria of the 15-minute city. However, increasing population density and promoting mixed land use clearly contribute to fostering the 15-minute city. Moreover, cities that to a larger extent were developed before mass motorization tend to exhibit a greater degree of 15-minute city characteristics. The results highlight the importance of making long-term, thoughtful, strategic decisions in urban planning efforts aimed at transforming cities into 15-minute cities.

Analysis of the Impact Study of the Inclusive and Sustainable Development of the Smart City of the Indonesian Archipelago Capital (IKN): Mix Methods Study

The Indonesian government plans to build a new National Capital (IKN) in East Kalimantan with an inclusive and sustainable smart city concept. IKN development is expected to have a positive impact on various aspects, such as the economy, social and environment. This research uses a mixed methods method, which combines qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data was obtained through interviews with experts and stakeholders, while quantitative data was obtained through surveys of the community. The research results show that the development of IKN has the potential to have a significant positive impact on the economy, social and environment. However, there are several potential negative impacts that need to be considered and mitigated. The development of IKN can be a great opportunity for Indonesia to create an inclusive and sustainable smart city. However, careful planning and implementation is needed to maximize positive impacts and minimize negative impacts.

On the equity of the x-minute city from the perspective of walkability

Walkability and equity in transport are crucial aspects of sustainable mobility and social well-being. The x-minute city concept emphasizes the importance of walkability, by fostering the design of a city where people can easily access their daily needs aiming to reduce reliance on private cars. However, such approaches, which generally rely on the idea of an “average resident” can ignore inequalities amongst people and fail to achieve the goal of building urban environments where everyone can participate in city life regardless of their socio-economic characteristics and vulnerability. In this study we propose an approach to assess the equity of the x-minute city, highlighting the limitations of the current application of the concept. The approach includes the computation of x-minute thresholds based on the walkability of pedestrian paths and considering different users’ needs. Home to school trips and social trips are taken as a reference; equity metrics such as the Lorenz Curve and Gini Index are used to assess how the x-minute city concurs with the transport equity of a city. The results of the assessment can help identify potential disparities in access to key destinations among different user groups, and support evidence-based policy recommendations to promote equitable transportation options. The case study of Bari, Italy, is used to illustrate the application of the method; however, the proposed approach can be replicated in different contexts, contributing to the ongoing discourse on walkability and equity in transport.

Efficient Usage of Energy Infrastructure in Smart City Using Machine Learning

The concept of smart cities revolves around utilizing modern technologies to manage and optimize city operations, including energy infrastructure. One of the biggest problems that smart cities have to deal with is ensuring the efficient usage of energy infrastructure to reduce energy consumption, cost, and environmental impact. Machine learning is a powerful tool that can be utilized to optimize energy usage in smart cities. This paper proposes a framework for efficient usage of energy machine learning for city infrastructure in smart cities. The proposed framework includes three main components: data collection, machine learning model development, and energy infrastructure optimization. The data collection component involves collecting energy consumption data from various sources, such as smart meters, sensors, and other IoT devices. The collected data is then pre-processed and cleaned to remove any inconsistencies or errors. The machine learning model development component involves developing machine learning models to predict energy consumption and optimize energy usage. The models can be developed using various techniques such as regression, classification, clustering, and deep learning. These models can predict energy consumption patterns based on historical data, weather conditions, time of day, and other factors. The energy infrastructure optimization component involves utilizing the machine learning models to optimize energy usage. The optimization process involves adjusting energy supply and demand to reduce energy consumption and cost. The optimization process can be automated, and SVM based machine learning models can continuously enhance their precision over time by studying the data. The proposed framework has several benefits, including reducing energy consumption, cost, and environmental impact. It can also improve the reliability and stability of energy infrastructure, reduce the risk of blackouts, and improve the overall quality of life in highly developed urban areas. Last but not least, the projected framework for efficient usage of energy machine learning for city infrastructure in smart cities is a promising solution to optimize energy usage and reduce energy consumption and cost. The framework can be implemented in various smart city applications, including buildings, transportation, and industrial processes.

Divulging the Smart City Concept in the Perspective of Community

Objective—This paper aims to investigate the relationship between smart city elements and performance from the community's perspective in Petaling Jaya City. Methodology—This paper adopted PLS-SEM techniques, and 128 respondents were collected through questionnaire surveys. PLS-SEM is required to determine the reliability and validity of the model in terms of measurement and structural model. Findings – The results found that our model is reliable and valid regarding measurement and structural model. Our R-square values achieve satisfactory results, where two of the three dependent variables acquire a moderate benchmark. The hypotheses results show that only a few of the Smart City Elements significantly affect Smart City Performance. Novelty – Novelty in this research is identified when we can refer to the understanding of the needs of the Smart City model from the community’s perspective. The Smart City concept created by the government undoubtedly sustains the city towards a better and more progressive life. In this study, we have evaluated the value of the Smart City concept from the community. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: R11, R58 Keywords: Smart City; Elements; Performances; Perspective; Community; Petaling Jaya. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Azmi, N.A; Rozman, R.T.A.T. (2024). Divulging the Smart City Concept in the Perspective of Community, J. Bus. Econ. Review, 8(4), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.35609/jber.2024.8.4(3)

Totalitarian Flower Pavilion: The Dubious Post-Socialist Legacy of Contemporary Eastern European Cities

More than three decades after the collapse of state socialism in Central and Eastern Europe, local urban processes are still very often associated with that historic period or post-socialist transformation. This article aims to undermine the concept of the post-socialist city itself as reductionist, given the crucial importance of factors that differ from the influence of the pre-1989/91 times. The article confronts the discussion on the applicability of the post-socialist framework with field research conducted in selected Polish and Ukrainian cities, in particular the examples of the Kvity Ukrainy (Flowers of Ukraine) protest movement in Kyiv, Ukraine, and the 2003 spatial planning reform’s results in Krakow, Poland. The analysis is based on interviews with representatives of different actors involved in the policymaking process, such as local government representatives, policy advisors, urban planners, journalists, business circles, and members of grassroots initiatives.

Progress in Sponge City Research in Yunnan Province

As urbanization accelerates, the challenges faced by traditional urban drainage systems are becoming increasingly prominent. The concept of the "sponge city" has emerged as a new urban development paradigm, playing an increasingly important role in sustainable urban development, alleviating water disasters, and improving the urban water environment. This paper takes Yunnan Province as the research subject and delves into the progress of sponge city research in the region, as well as conducting a comprehensive assessment of the environmental conditions for implementing sponge city construction in Yunnan. The unique geographical and climatic characteristics of Yunnan Province make it an ideal area for implementing the sponge city concept. The paper not only examines in detail the pilot sponge city projects that have been initiated in the province, analyzing the implementation effects of these projects, but also proposes strategies and suggestions for future development based on these case studies. In terms of research methodology, this paper employs a variety of research methods, including literature review, field investigation, and data analysis, to ensure the scientific rigor and comprehensiveness of the research findings. The results show that the sponge city construction in Yunnan Province has achieved certain effects, such as significant progress in urban flood control, rational utilization of water resources, and improvement of the ecological environment. However, the study also identified some problems and challenges, such as gaps between the implementation of some projects and the expected outcomes, as well as difficulties in technology, funding, and policy encountered during the promotion process. Based on these findings, the paper provides targeted suggestions from multiple perspectives, including technological innovation, funding, and policy support, aiming to further promote the development of sponge city construction in Yunnan Province and nationwide. The study emphasizes that Yunnan Province should leverage its unique advantages and formulate appropriate sponge city construction standards and technical guidelines that align with local conditions. It also recommends enhancing interdisciplinary and interdepartmental cooperation to foster a deeper integration of scientific research with urban planning practices, maximizing the benefits of sponge city construction. Overall, this paper's research not only provides valuable experience and insights for the construction of sponge cities in Yunnan Province and other regions of China but also makes an important contribution to the theoretical research and practical exploration of sponge cities. Through an in-depth analysis and systematic study of sponge city construction in Yunnan Province, the paper showcases the tremendous potential and challenges faced by the sponge city concept in specific Chinese practices, holding significant theoretical and practical significance for guiding future urban development planning and management.

Investigation of noise reduction effects of individual and combined geometrical modifications on UAM propeller blades

The development of a future transportation concept in cities may also include transportation of passenger and cargo at various altitudes in order to reduce the load on the ground infrastructure. This is known as urban air mobility (UAM), facilitated by the application of electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Public acceptance is required with regard to safety aspects in densely populated areas, but also in terms of noise emissions. As with almost any aircraft, the propulsion systems, in most cases the propeller blades, are the main source of noise generation. In literature, experimental and numerical results for geometric blade modifications for the purpose of noise reduction are provided only for small diameter propellers. This paper investigates the individual features at larger diameter propellers by means of numeric aeroacoustic simulations with OpenFOAM. The modifications include serrations of the trailing edge, leading edge tubercles and blade tip adaptations. Moreover, the combination of those features is investigated in a parameter study for various rotational velocities and several flight modes. The key effect, namely a reduction of broadband noise, can be observed for several cases, but the strength of it varies. An optimization process is necessary to obtain an efficient noise reduction for all operating conditions of a particular aircraft design.

Urban Nature Preservation and Conservation Strategies Based on Biophilic Institutions and Governance: A Lesson Learned from Gold Coast City for Indonesian Cities

Biophilic urbanism is considered as one approach to solve the problem of city’s over-development and may provide opportunities for citizens to connect with the natural environment. This research project is using argumentative approach in attempts to analyse urban nature preservation strategy of the Gold Coast City, based on the biophilic urbanism concept, with a focus on institutions and governance aspect, including biodiversity-related action plans, biophilic support organizations, environmental education, budgets for biophilic urbanism projects, and biophilic-related projects and initiatives. Moreover, it also analyses the constraints to implementing good biophilic governance based on the political/legal, economic, socio-cultural, and technological factors. To determine urban nature conservation and preservation strategies for the Gold Coast’s future, a SWOT analysis was undertaken. The results of this study could usefully give a brief reflection on the possibility of implementing the biophilic city concept for Indonesian cities in general.

The Ideology of Sustainable Cities

This article focuses on the concept, characteristics, theoretical research, and international mainstream urban models of sustainable cities. Sustainability city refers to a city that is able to provide sustainable well-being for its inhabitants without reducing urban ecosystem services under certain socio-economic conditions. The theoretical study of sustainable cities has a wide range of perspectives covering all aspects of social development. It deals primarily with the physical composition of cities and the more abstract environmental, economic, social, cultural, political systems, and social equity aspects, and is characterised by efficient public transport systems, the use of renewable energy sources, sustainable buildings, and an overall commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Factors involved in sustainable urban forms such as new urban spatial forms, urban-rural relationships, scale and density, transport principles and land use patterns are explored. The validity of the compact city theory is proved or disproved from different perspectives, and the negative impacts of compact urban form, including the impact of high-density buildings on the ecosystem services of urban green spaces and urban biodiversity. In the context of rapid urban change and globalisation, the construction of sustainable cities is bound to face more challenges and opportunities. These studies have greatly enriched the connotation of sustainable cities and laid a theoretical foundation for the practice of building sustainable cities.

The Difficulties and Explorations of Old Community Retrofitting Based on the Sponge City Concept - The case of 240 community in the old urban area of Xi'an

The rapid development of China's urban modernization has become an important driving force for the flourishing of various economic, social and cultural sectors. At the same time, the process of urbanization has led to the serious phenomenon of "urban diseases", particularly urban water problems. To effectively mitigate the negative impacts of urban floods and droughts, China has proposed a nature-based solution - the sponge city concept. Furthermore, urban renewal initiatives and the Old Urban Renewal Programme (OURP) are vital components in sustainable development to ensure quality urban development and enhance residents' health and well-being.

COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE IN ENHANCHING SURABAYA'S TOURISM THROUGH SISTER CITY COOPERATION

This research was written to analyze the collaboration of actors involved in sister city cooperation between Surabaya City and Kitakyushu City in developing Ecotourism Mangrove Wonorejo to become one of the tourist destinations that can contribute to improving Surabaya's tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. As previously known, since the COVID-19 pandemic there have been many sectors affected and caused losses, one of which is the tourism sector. Surabaya city is one of the cities whose tourism sector development is also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this is evidenced by the many tourism destinations of Surabaya city that were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of which is Ecotourism Mangrove Wonorejo. Although closed, when the easing of PPKM Ecotourism Mangrove Wonorejo is one of the tourist destinations that opened and became an alternative tourist destination during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the study that uses qualitative research methods with the use of the concept of Collaborative Governance and Sister City, the results of this study will explain the collaboration between the Surabaya City Government, Kitakyushu City Government, private parties, the public, and agencies / academics in realizing the improvement of surabaya tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic through wonorejo mangrove forest ecotourism. Keywords: Collaborative Governance, Surabaya City, Tourism, Sister City

Enhancing Smart Cities through Third-Party Logistics: Predicting Delivery Intensity

This article addresses the key and current issues of smart cities in the context of last-mile supply management. Specifically, it explores how third-party logistics (3PL) activities impact last-mile delivery management in smart cities. It examines how 3PL affects delivery volumes, expanding the predictive capabilities of logistics operators. A research question included in the Introduction of this paper is also posed to explore the problem in depth. The research conducted focuses mainly on a case study conducted on the operations of an international 3PL logistics operator. In addition, predictive methods are used to analyse the shipment volume data for individual barcodes in the two analysed cities in Poland. Currently, the concept of a smart city assumes the limited participation of logistics operators in creating improvements for cities. The case study analysis shows that in the cities studied, 3PL companies, through predictive actions, can regulate the flow of vehicles out of the logistics centre and into the city, thus influencing the traffic volume in the city. The research is limited to two cities in Poland implementing smart city solutions and one logistics operator. The research also does not include e-commerce. The authors acknowledge that the results obtained cannot be generalised to a larger scale. This paper bridges the research gap on 3PL activities for last-mile logistics improvements. In addition, the paper proposes the first concept related to the implementation of a 3PL company’s predictive activities associated with the operator’s ability to control the impact on urban traffic.

Applications, challenges, and solutions of unmanned aerial vehicles in smart city using blockchain.

Real-time data gathering, analysis, and reaction are made possible by this information and communication technology system. Data storage is also made possible by it. This is a good move since it enhances the administration and operation services essential to any city's efficient operation. The idea behind "smart cities" is that information and communication technology (ICTs) need to be included in a city's routine activities in order to gather, analyze, and store enormous amounts of data in real-time. This is helpful since it makes managing and governing urban areas easier. The "drone" or "uncrewed aerial vehicle" (UAV), which can carry out activities that ordinarily call for a human driver, serves as an example of this. UAVs could be used to integrate geospatial data, manage traffic, keep an eye on objects, and help in an emergency as part of a smart urban fabric. This study looks at the benefits and drawbacks of deploying UAVs in the conception, development, and management of smart cities. This article describes the importance and advantages of deploying UAVs in designing, developing, and maintaining in smart cities. This article overviews UAV uses types, applications, and challenges. Furthermore, we presented blockchain approaches for addressing the given problems for UAVs in smart research topics and recommendations for improving the security and privacy of UAVs in smart cities. Furthermore, we presented Blockchain approaches for addressing the given problems for UAVs in smart cities. Researcher and graduate students are audience of our article.

Technology, Transparency, and Accountability: The Case of Smart Auditing in Makassar

Electronic-Based Auditing (Smart Auditing) is the development of an internal monitoring model by the Regional Inspectorate of Makassar City to improve accountability and performance in managing activities and finances in all Regional Apparatus Organizations within the Makassar City Government. This program is an implementation of the Smart City Concept by the Makassar City Government which requires regional officials to apply technology and information to streamline the implementation of their main tasks and functions thereby increasing accountability and transparency as well as efforts to prevent various irregularities (fraud) that may occur in the process of implementing Organizational activities . The aim of this research is to describe and find out the results of the evaluation of the implementation of electronic-based programs (Smart Auditing) at the Makassar City Inspectorate.This research uses qualitative research methods through case studies. Data collection taken with observation, interview, and documentation of directly involved informants in implementation of that activities. The process of data analysis includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. This research uses theory from the E-Auditing concept to see the level of success of electronic auditing with indicators of (1)the success of the target, (2)satisfaction to the program and (3)levels input and output. The results of the research conducted show that the implementation of the electronic-based inspection program or known as Smart Auditing at the Makassar City Inspectorate has been carried out well and has succeeded in achieving its objectives. However, there is still a need to improve facilities and infrastructure to support the achievement of goals, increase understanding in the field of Technology and Information for implementers and commitment and discipline from Regional Apparatus Organizations in the future.

The importance of urbanization in the process of shaping the “ubiquitous city” on the example of Songdo International Business District, South Korea

Both the smart city and U-city concepts were created as a response to the challenges related to the increasing level of urbanization and the further development of the latest technologies. These so-called smart cities are designed to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve operational efficiency, make information available to the public, provide better government services and increase the overall level of well-being of citizens. In this article the author will analyze the development of the “smart city” concept, and then present her conclusions and observations based on the example of the South Korean city of Songdo, which is currently one of the most progressive business centers of the ubiquitous city type. Subsequently she will answer two main research questions: 1. What distinguishes a ubiquitous city from a standard smart city project? 2. What are the obstacles, challenges, and incentives for further development in the implementation of the above concept in South Korea? Two main research methods will be used in the article – a comparative method, helpful in identifying visible links between similar phenomena and entities, and a content analysis method, based on a literature review on the topics covered in the work, including issues related to the city of Songdo.

The role of sport in the Smart City concept

Sport brings to cities innovative solutions that influence urban life, yet the considerations about sport is still rarely contributed to the development of very popular smart cities strategies. This raises the question: what is the perception of sport in the city from the perspective of the smart city concept? One of the challenges of future urban policy is to provide initiatives that ensure the well-being and promote the model of a healthy city, especially during the era of the Covid 19 pandemic. Therefore, sport creates an opportunity to combat these challenges. The study provides an in-depth literature review on sport factors influencing smart city domains through a systematic review process. Exploring this topic creates a paradigm for future studies on the discourse on smart cities and sport impact on evolution of cities of tomorrow. In particular, it indicate potential areas of interest from the point of view of local authorities and policymakers, who are able to incorporate governance through sport agendas.