The Transformative Architecture of Smart Cities

Joe Colistra (University of Kansas)

Smart City proponents envision an urban environment and the buildings within it being “synchronized” and able to collect data on mobility, energy, utilities, and other municipal services. Data will be like a new kind of natural resource; one that will be as impactful on the way we organize cities as water and electricity were 100 years ago. It will affect everything an architect does, from the way we plan neighborhoods to the way we design a wall to meet the floor. Architects have an opportunity to lead the Smart City revolution that will transform every city, large and small, domestic and international, over the next decade.

This study will present research being conducted to develop sustainable and affordable housing that leverages Population Health strategies for Smart Cities. We are currently developing a multifamily prototype housing unit that demonstrates best practices in aging-in-place strategies and telehealth technology. We are also investigating prefabricated construction methodologies that will be utilized to bring plug-and-play technology infrastructure to the exploding senior housing demographic.

Sensors embedded in the built environment are able to collect such information as:

• Human Vital Signs (heart rate, breathing, body temperature, weight, blood pressure, hydration)
• Physical Activity (Activities of Daily Living, falls, gait, sleep)
• Environmental Factors (temperature, humidity, air quality, water quality, weather)
• Pharmaceutical Regiments (over dosing, missing doses)

Population Health strategies utilize the collection and analysis of such data to deliver health care more affordably, affectively, and sometimes before we know we need it. Some of the more advanced technologies will include: Motion Sensors/Fall Detection, Gait-Analysis (determination of early onset Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), Automated Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Smart-Spectrum Lighting (optimizing circadian rhythms), Smart Mirrors, Smart Toilets (hydration monitoring/diuretic dosage), Sleep Sensors (ballistic cardiogram), and Automated Medicine Dispensers (coupled with Smart Toilet for heart medication).