Category: Urban Planning

Smart Cities Digital Divide

Why does the Digital Divide exist in 2021?

Posted on Benson Chan1 CommentPosted in COVID-19, Digital Divide, Digital Inclusion, Economic Impact, Education, Smart City, Smart Communities, Urban Planning

We live in a connected world and talk about the possibility of smart cities and its many benefits. But yet, there is still a sizable portion of our communities that do not have broadband Internet service, nor access to devices, or the skills to use them in the year 2021. Silicon Valley in California, the world famous home of innovation and technology, has not been spared.
This blog provides a broad definition of digital divide, identifies some of its causes, and some broad strategic areas to focus on.

Safe Space office picture

Creating COVID-19 Safe Spaces for Reopening and Return to Work (Part Two)

Posted on Benson Chan4 CommentsPosted in Best Practices, COVID-19, IoT, New Normal, Safe Spaces, Smart Buildings, Smart City, Smart Communities, Strategy, Urban Planning

COVID-19 Safe Spaces are key to reopening buildings and facilities for in-person activities. Technology is a critical component of the COVID-19 safe space. There is no one technology that makes a space safe. A variety of technologies, working in tandem, is used in safe spaces.

This blog, Part 2 in a series, discusses the role of technology and IoT in the operation of a safe space. Key considerations, from the use case, operations and maintenance, and technology are presented.

Creating COVID-19 Safe Spaces for Reopening and Return to Work (Part One)

Posted on Benson Chan5 CommentsPosted in Best Practices, COVID-19, New Normal, Safe Spaces, Smart Buildings, Smart City, Smart Communities, Strategy, Urban Planning

The discovery and regulatory approval of two COVID-19 vaccines in late 2020 has made reopening and return to work initiatives top priority for business and community leaders in 2021. Despite the vaccine, COVID-19 isn’t going away and many people are concerned about a return to in-person activities.

This blog introduces the concept of safe spaces to support reopening and return to work. A framework describing the elements of a safe space is discussed, along with ten best practices for planning safe spaces.