In the upcoming years and decades, technology will play a significant role in the development of our cities. It will make it easier to keep people safe, give people greater access to public health services and make better use of natural resources to preserve the environment for future generations. How will technology achieve these objectives?
Smarter Construction Makes for Easier Planning
Smart technology makes it easier to monitor everything from how much food is in the refrigerator to who is lurking outside your door. From a city planning perspective, smart technology will make it possible to adjust the temperature in the library when it isn’t in use or keep vital machines operating during a power outage or shortage. This means that a hospital can provide services to patients even if there is no power in the apartment complex across the street. Planning and preparation for this type of focus is already in the works as many people are gaining experience and education for civil engineering at respectable schools.
Driverless Car Technology Makes Streets Safer
At some point, cars will be able to drive themselves along planned routes throughout an urban area. The cars may be able to communicate with each other, which means that they can stop for pedestrians or create crosswalks without the need for artificial signs. Instead, the cars will know to stop and let a person pass before going on their way.
Cities Will Become More Energy Efficient
New construction techniques make it possible to fit more people into a smaller space while using fewer resources. For instance, adding grass to a roof can keep a building cooler, retain more water and increase property values all while being friendly to nature. The use of LED lighting can increase the lifespan of a light bulb while reducing energy consumption by approximately 75%. This acts to reduce the amount of material thrown away while keeping energy costs in check.
Augmented Reality May Reduce the Need for Physical Objects
In the future, you may use an artificial television as opposed to the one that goes on your wall. You may also use artificial computers and commute to offices that don’t need conference rooms because everyone can meet through an online connection. Ultimately, this will enable millions of people to live in smaller spaces while using fewer resources without giving up their sense of comfort.
Over the next several decades, technology will fundamentally transform what it means to live in a city. You may no longer need to drive your own car, pay a cable bill or wonder how long it will take before an ambulance arrives. Instead, you will have instant access to whatever you need whenever you need it.