Articles and Thematic Analysis

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Cities – a new blog by the IDHUS Institute

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Cities – a new blog by the IDHUS Institute

We are happy to present and start today publishing our new blog series on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Cities, exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping the urban world — not just through efficiency and automation, but through a deeper transformation of how cities think, feel, and evolve. Across in-depth articles, this blog will examine the convergence of artificial intelligence, data, and human values in the design and governance of the cities of tomorrow. From predictive urban planning to ethical governance, from renewable energy…
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Transforming Urban Mobility Through Data and Artificial Intelligence: Evidence, Analysis, and Strategic Decisions

Transforming Urban Mobility Through Data and Artificial Intelligence: Evidence, Analysis, and Strategic Decisions

  The evolution of urban mobility within the framework of smart cities is undergoing a paradigm shift—one that is increasingly driven by data and powered by the exponential capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). Traditional urban planning models, largely reactive and infrastructure-centric, are being replaced by data-informed, proactive systems capable of not only identifying and interpreting mobility patterns, but also of projecting future demand, optimizing existing infrastructure, and informing inclusive and sustainable public policies. AI emerges not merely as a tool but as a strategic enabler…
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Lighting the Way Forward: The Evolution of Bicycle Illumination Systems and the Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence in Smart Cities

Lighting the Way Forward: The Evolution of Bicycle Illumination Systems and the Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence in Smart Cities

  As the world embraces a new era of urban transformation, the bicycle has reemerged as a key player in the transition toward sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered mobility. Its ecological footprint is minimal, its infrastructure cost-effective, and its societal benefits substantial—from mitigating traffic congestion to fostering healthier lifestyles. In the context of smart cities, where digital technologies increasingly orchestrate urban life, the bicycle embodies a convergence of environmental responsibility and technological innovation. Yet, as cities modernize and cycling becomes more widespread, a persistent challenge remains:…
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Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector: Strategic Scenarios and the Rise of Chatbots by 2030

Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector: Strategic Scenarios and the Rise of Chatbots by 2030

  The advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) represents a pivotal transformation in the public sector, marking a shift that transcends the simple digitalization of services and processes. Unlike earlier waves of technological innovation that primarily focused on digitizing paperwork or automating specific tasks, generative AI introduces a deeper, structural change. It signals the emergence of cognitive capabilities within public administration—an evolution from static digital infrastructures to dynamic, intelligent systems capable of learning, reasoning, and proactively responding to societal needs. According to the report Artificial…
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How Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Can Transform Cities into Net Zero Urban Environments

How Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Can Transform Cities into Net Zero Urban Environments

Urban centers, while occupying less than 2% of the Earth's land surface, are responsible for an overwhelming 78% of global energy consumption and approximately 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to UN-Habitat. With more than half of the world’s population already residing in cities—and forecasts indicating that this trend will only intensify—urbanization stands as both a critical driver of economic development and a central contributor to climate change. In this scenario, reimagining how cities are planned, built, and managed is not just desirable but imperative…
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How Can Transport Infrastructure Be Brought Back to Life?

How Can Transport Infrastructure Be Brought Back to Life?

In an era marked by rapid urbanization, demographic expansion, and accelerating economic growth, cities are becoming increasingly complex ecosystems. These dynamics have intensified the demand for efficient, sustainable, and inclusive transportation systems. As the volume of both people and goods circulating through urban environments grows, the infrastructure that supports mobility becomes not only more critical but also more vulnerable to obsolescence. The evolution of transport technologies—ranging from rail to aviation—has rendered many traditional structures outdated, underutilized, or altogether abandoned. However, within this cycle of redundancy…
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Stuttgart Rosenstein: The City Unveils First Cost Forecasts for a Century-Defining Urban Transformation

Stuttgart Rosenstein: The City Unveils First Cost Forecasts for a Century-Defining Urban Transformation

  The city of Stuttgart has taken a significant step forward in its long-term urban development strategy with the unveiling of preliminary cost estimates and timelines for the ambitious Stuttgart Rosenstein project. This large-scale initiative, one of the most transformative in the region’s recent history, aims to redevelop a vast inner-city area freed up by the restructuring of railway infrastructure linked to the Stuttgart 21 project. According to figures presented by the city administration to the Stuttgart 21/Rosenstein committee, the estimated investment required for planning,…
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