In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban development, the concept of the "Smart City" is no longer a distant ideal, but an emerging reality shaped by the integration of cutting-edge technologies—chief among them, artificial intelligence (AI). As the world’s urban population continues to rise, the pressure to rethink city infrastructure, resource management, mobility, public services, and sustainability has never been more critical. In this context, AI emerges not merely as a technological tool, but as the cognitive framework that can enable cities to become truly responsive, adaptive, and centered on human well-being. A city’s transformation into a "smart" entity depends…

In Comiso, in the province of Ragusa, a new model of intelligent photovoltaic greenhouse, christened Archimede, represents a turning point not only for protected cultivation but also for the broader debate on how artificial intelligence, renewable energy and urban planning can converge in the construction of sustainable and resilient smart cities. The Archimede Greenhouse combines solar energy production and sustainable agriculture within a single architectural and functional system, modulating light to favour photosynthesis and improve crop quality without reducing agricultural productivity. Seen in isolation, it is an agricultural innovation; seen within the wider context of data-driven governance, energy transition and…

  Although the rapid expansion of urban areas is one of the most significant threats to global biodiversity, the presence of nature within cities remains a critical component for human well-being and urban resilience. Urban green spaces offer essential ecosystem services, such as temperature regulation, flood prevention, air purification, and psychological benefits associated with access to natural environments. However, these advantages are not equitably distributed across the urban population. The phenomenon known as the luxury effect—which describes the correlation between neighborhood affluence and the richness of biodiversity—exemplifies how social and economic inequalities manifest spatially and ecologically in the urban fabric.…

  In the contemporary global landscape, few places embody the spirit of innovation and technological audacity as profoundly as Dubai. Once a modest desert outpost, today the Emirate stands as a paradigmatic model of what a technologically integrated society might look like—where artificial intelligence, blockchain infrastructure, digital finance, and smart urban systems are not theoretical constructs but tangible realities shaping daily life. In a world where many regions are still grappling with the rudiments of digital transformation, Dubai has assumed the role of a global laboratory, advancing not only the tools but the frameworks that define the cities—and economies—of the…

  The relationship between humanity and rural environments is as ancient as civilization itself. From the dawn of sedentary life through agriculture and animal domestication, rural societies have been the foundation of food production and societal development. However, in the 21st century, this historical legacy faces complex challenges—chief among them, an aging population of agricultural workers, land abandonment, and a disconnect between rural life and younger generations. At the same time, unprecedented opportunities are emerging through technological innovation, particularly through the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools. The inaugural edition of the Fair of Agriculture and Livestock (Expo…

Energy is the invisible lifeblood of modern cities. Every light switched on, every electric vehicle charging, every data center operating — all contribute to a growing and increasingly unpredictable demand. Traditional power grids were never designed for this complexity. They distribute energy in one direction, from producer to consumer, following static patterns that often fail to adapt to rapid fluctuations in use. As cities grow smarter, this old model is being replaced by AI-driven smart grids capable of balancing energy dynamically, efficiently, and in real time. A smart grid integrates sensors, IoT devices, and artificial intelligence to monitor and regulate…

  The recent election of Zohran Mamdani as the mayor of New York has sparked widespread conversation among municipal leaders and experts attending the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona. His victory has been celebrated not only for his progressive agenda but also for his ability to forge a strong, direct connection with voters through transparent communication and a focus on everyday urban challenges such as housing, transportation, and social equity. While his leadership represents a generational shift in political engagement, it also reflects a broader transformation taking place in cities around the world — one in which digital…