TOMORROW.BUILDING

How does innovation mold future cities? Carlo Ratti, pioneer in urban design and architecture, explores the far-reaching effects of forward-thinking ideas on urban design. Visionary concepts reshape urban landscapes, from interactive buildings to sustainability or kinetic architecture. Innovative projects and technology are shaping the cities of tomorrow, leaving a lasting impact on the way we live, work, and connect in urban environments.

Explore the dynamic intersection of AI, creativity, and architecture. Uncover the transformative potential, benefits, and risks AI brings to the immersive realm, as we merge media, architecture, and game engines in unprecedented ways.

Embracing the digital revolution in urban planning and design unlocks limitless possibilities. Data-driven approaches in the built environment revolutionize decision-making, sustainability, and project outcomes. How can we seize the transformative power of robotics, AI, 3D modeling, BIM, Big Data, and Building Automation? How can we take advantage of technology and digital tools to make more successful smart buildings?

Smart cities can have a tremendous positive impact on people’s lives, but only when people are at the centre of the development process. The panel ‘Centering People in Smart Cities’ will discuss how smart cities are engaging deeply with the needs of all residents and urban stakeholders through meaningful community participation, bridging the digital divide, developing essential digital infrastructure and governance frameworks, and building capacity through multi-stakeholder partnerships.

How can climate-positive districts lead cities towards sustainability, resilience, and well-being? Greener districts are the first step towards creating thriving urban environments that prioritize resource efficiency, environmental stewardship, and a higher quality of life. How can design, circular economy principles, and sustainable technologies help create a brighter future for all?

Airbnb has transformed the way people live, work, and travel. Now the pandemic is over and travel has returned to Europe, Airbnb wants to help tackle over-tourism and has launched new features to help disperse guests and benefits across Europe. Hear from Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb’s co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, on how the company wants to work with cities and governments to support sustainable travel.

Cities are envisioning a transformative future, where innovation seamlessly integrates with sustainable practices. Yet, finding the equilibrium between nurturing innovation and crafting a sustainable built environment, complete with decarbonized infrastructure and green building initiatives, presents challenges. Can the vision of net-zero cities materialize in this intricate landscape?

Visionary design will lead cities to a new era of thriving, resource-efficient and future-ready urban environments. By embracing technological advancements, decarbonisation principles and innovative infrastructure strategies, cities are being reshaped for the better. How can greener buildings and infrastructure bring cities to a sustainable reality, and towards a technologically enabled, balanced urban landscape?

From virtual to real, the step towards digitalisation in real estate is well illustrated by what we are doing as State Property Agency is doing today in Italy. It is a step of enormous importance, as we are talking about an agency that has a real estate portfolio of 43 thousand assets, worth 62 billion euros, that represent the Beauty and the Heritage of the Italy. We will preset how we are becoming a Data-Driven Company to improve our BIM and Digital Twin practices at building and city scale.

From optimizing real estate to enhancing urban safety and sustainability, the digital innovations of Property Technology hold the key to creating more efficient and livable cities. But how can global metropolises successfully implement PropTech to boost the functionality, safety, and sustainability of their real estate? How can we reimagine the future of this sector in a digitally-driven urban landscape?

Worldwide, cities are growing rapidly which means that environmental, economic, and social challenges are growing too. Comprehensive digitalization and the targeted use of data are the key to mastering the challenges of today’s urbanization. IoT operating systems can help cities become more competitive, safer, less congested, healthier, greener and more efficient places to live and work.

Buildings generate 40% of annual global carbon emissions. How can cities work with industry to deliver net zero roadmaps while still meeting demand for increased housing, urban services and infrastructure? Hear from city, industry and NGO leaders on the policies, partnerships and solutions which have begun to move the needle on this global issue.

Rapid urbanization, climate change, pandemics, conflicts and digitalization are the major trends that are shaping urban environments. Cities are rapidly deploying technology to modernize their operations and to address a wide range of urban challenges. An intergovernmental process to develop international smart city guidelines, building on existing agreements and standards, could help promote good governance and facilitate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the commitments in the New Urban Agenda.

Inclusive sustainability relies on informed design. It's the art of creating solutions tailored to a specific context, rooted in a thorough understanding of the environment, contexte and local perspectives.

How can forward-thinking urban planning and innovative city living lead the charge towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development? Urban areas have a unique opportunity to implement key strategies and collaborative efforts to achieve the goals set for 2030, but how can cities navigate the complex intersection of innovation, inclusivity, and environmental goals effectively? What innovative strategies will light the path forward?

As technology disrupts traditional building approaches, smarter buildings redefine urban living. 3D printing, AI, real-time data, digital twins, and sustainable materials drive the construction industry towards resource-efficient and user-centric projects. What are the potential and limitations of these cutting-edge solutions shaping smarter infrastructure and buildings? How can smart buildings contribute to resilient and sustainable urban environments?

In this session, 5 projects will have an interactive discussion with the audience on what a successful transition into resilient and climate-neutral cities will look like, and how we are working to achieve this by 2030. Participants will debate how the NEB values come together in these transformations and how the collective expertise of different initiatives can support them into being more beautiful, truly inclusive, and highly collaborative.

Infrastructure worldwide faces multiple challenges: Megacities are on the rise, the demand for mobility is increasing, and growing cities require smart buildings that provide connectivity and edge computing. The technology to solve these challenges is already available today. Find out from Peter Koerte, Chief Technology & Strategy Officer Siemens AG, how Siemens accelerates digital transformation to create future-proof infrastructure.

The digital twin is the digital heart of the Smart City Munich and the digital ecosystem of the climate neutral city. Broad use of city data optimises planning, accelerates processes and creates space for innovation. Changes are visualised in advance. Citizen participation in decisions is increased.

This session will disclose why Espai Barça is much more than a Stadium. It is an innovative and far-reaching project that goes beyond modernizing Spotify Camp Nou. A 360-degree overhaul to boost the Club’s growth, generate new sources of income and determined to be a driving force for its home city of Barcelona.

Fighting climate change requires a holistic strategy that adapt cities to present and future challenges. In that sense, achieving net-zero infrastructure brings many opportunities, yet difficulties lie ahead. The latest trends suggest a global approach to decarbonization, spanning from design to deconstruction. How can greener infrastructures, encompassing carbon reduction and renewable energy, be made a reality?

Cities are central to the energy systems of the future, built on decentralised, decarbonised and flexible sources. As consumers become producers and electricity becomes fully integrated through digital technologies, what is the role that cities can play in supporting a clean energy transition? This session will discuss how a 24/7 Carbon Free Approach can support cities in meeting their clean energy targets, by bringing together pilot cities like London, Copenhagen, Paris, and Thekwini to share insights on a carbon-free future.

We need to effectively include young people’s ideas if we are to create green and thriving neighbourhoods that work for everyone and accelerate climate action. C40’s Schools and Students Reinventing Cities urban design competitions connect the ideas of young people to city leaders, and empower youth to rethink how their cities are designed. The session will discuss the ideas that have emerged from these competitions, and how leaders and city networks can further engage youth to design innovative climate interventions.

Aticco & Smart City Expo organize a Pitch Competition to showcase the most innovative projects in green and digital transition of buildings, construction, and urban infrastructures. 

Resilient urban planning has the potential to transform communities. Through long-term building renovation strategies, data analysis, and innovative technology, urban spaces can be reshaped, revitalizing declining neighborhoods and ensuring that everyone has equal access to services. However, can building upgrades and sustainable solutions converge to create vibrant and thriving cities?

The use of cutting-edge technologies, paired with forward-thinking design philosophies, has the potential of creating more efficient, sustainable, and livable environments. Smart urban planning is not only about building infrastructures, it aims to craft holistic ecosystems that cater to the needs and aspirations of the diverse urban population. However, can the implementation of these advancements match the pace of urban population growth?

Since the end of the pandemic, government priorities and housing options are evolving to meet the changing needs of urban communities. Housing policies and planning play a pivotal role in fostering healthier, dynamic, and inclusive neighborhoods, enhancing well-being for all residents. But how can local governance strike a balance between affordability, low-carbon housing, and the citizen's right to the city?