Toward a practical methodology for smart city planning and design: Key elements, issues, and directions

Numerous frameworks and elements have been proposed on the concept and path of smart city, while discussions on how to practically achieve smart cities are still not systematic enough. Considering as a form of evolving urbanism along with digitalization rather than a specific technical or construction subject, smart city as a practice tends to be disconnected from urban planning. Smart cities are in especial need of planning and design support. Based on insights and evidence from practical projects, we propose basic elements and practical main challenges faced by effective smart city planning and design, regarding the integration of urban planning thinking and methods, the optimal layout of urban digital elements, and the coordination of digital space with the physical and social space of the city. To achieve these, beneficial technical approaches are suggested for practical smart city planning and design at an operational level, including governance scheme, scenario-based design, and utilization of standardization. It is promising to develop new technological paths and methodological systems specific to smart city based on planning and design thinking and approaches.