Smart Cities are an evolving idea that is still relatively new with few and varied examples. Research indicates there is no standardized approach to Smart Cities and as such there are multiple concepts that are being developed as leaders in this space are trying to determine what is not only possible but what is feasible. The approach of inconsistent development may prove challenging as smart cities become more commonplace and attempt to scale up interconnectivity beyond their borders. Smart cities must consider multiple facets such as transportation, energy, and structure in a systems approach. They must also consider the two primary views of the human perspective of leaders and citizens. A standardized approach is needed to maximize future possibilities. The movement towards smart cities is following a similar innovation pattern to that of Building Information Management (BIM) as well as various other technological innovations. What can history teach us about having the best approach? As we face unprecedented growth in cities, yet still work within the constraints of social, economic, and technological demands, we must find the most efficient, effective, and impactful direction possible. Smart cities are the next scale-up from preceding technology innovations. Some of which are still developing and have struggled due to a lack of standardization. BIM was the paradigm shift from basic 2D and 3D asset digitization into the digitalization and refinement of processes related to building lifecycle information management. Roads, bridges, facilities, and systems distribution infrastructure likewise have begun the digital transformation, adopting many concepts from BIM. Digital twins are rapidly emerging for a range of components from infrastructure to buildings to equipment and furnishings. These various subsystems come together to service a community or city and the composite of information management scaled up to a broader level is what enables a smart city. The smart city itself belongs to a supra-system and we must consider how it will integrate in the future. Standardization at the building and infrastructure level is still a challenge but it presents an opportunity to standardize in a way that enables the needed data to feed into a smart city’s framework and beyond. The U.S. National BIM Program is accelerating digital transformation through the rapid development and adoption of open standards to increase value to asset owners. An open data standards foundation is necessary to achieve optimal outcomes..
Johnny Fortune is a technology leader and subject matter expert in building information management (BIM) for the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner/operator industry. He serves as the Director of the U.S. National BIM Program with the National Institute of Building Sciences, where he focuses on the program launch and implementation plan to improve efficiencies in the design and construction industry. Fortune has more than 20 years of experience in computer-aided design and BIM management. Throughout his career, he has successfully helped many professionals adopt various levels of design and construction technology, from hand drafting to virtual design and construction. His vast experience includes developing BIM strategies, standards, training, workflows, and integration with external stakeholders. Fortune is a contributing author for several national standards documents, including the USACE and VA BIM requirements. Fortune enjoys utilizing technology to improve business and industry processes and focuses on building meaningful and lasting relationships.
Smart Cities are an evolving idea that is still relatively new with few and varied examples. Research indicates there is no standardized approach to Smart Cities and as such there are multiple concepts that are being developed as leaders in this space are trying to determine what is not only possible but what is feasible. The approach of inconsistent development may prove challenging as smart cities become more commonplace and attempt to scale up interconnectivity beyond their borders. Smart cities must consider multiple facets such as transportation, energy, and structure in a systems approach. They must also consider the two primary views of the human perspective of leaders and citizens. A standardized approach is needed to maximize future possibilities. The movement towards smart cities is following a similar innovation pattern to that of Building Information Management (BIM) as well as various other technological innovations. What can history teach us about having the best approach? As we face unprecedented growth in cities, yet still work within the constraints of social, economic, and technological demands, we must find the most efficient, effective, and impactful direction possible. Smart cities are the next scale-up from preceding technology innovations. Some of which are still developing and have struggled due to a lack of standardization. BIM was the paradigm shift from basic 2D and 3D asset digitization into the digitalization and refinement of processes related to building lifecycle information management. Roads, bridges, facilities, and systems distribution infrastructure likewise have begun the digital transformation, adopting many concepts from BIM. Digital twins are rapidly emerging for a range of components from infrastructure to buildings to equipment and furnishings. These various subsystems come together to service a community or city and the composite of information management scaled up to a broader level is what enables a smart city. The smart city itself belongs to a supra-system and we must consider how it will integrate in the future. Standardization at the building and infrastructure level is still a challenge but it presents an opportunity to standardize in a way that enables the needed data to feed into a smart city’s framework and beyond. The U.S. National BIM Program is accelerating digital transformation through the rapid development and adoption of open standards to increase value to asset owners. An open data standards foundation is necessary to achieve optimal outcomes..
