Revolutionary smart city project set to transform former Athens airport site

Greece has embarked on a groundbreaking development on the site of the former Athens International Airport, known as The Ellinikon, which will serve as the country's first smart city. The project aims to create a modern urban environment that integrates information and communication technology and the Internet of Things to improve urban systems and enhance residents' quality of life. The initiative will see over 70% of The Ellinikon's total area dedicated to green spaces. Within this expansive project, features such as traffic-regulating traffic lights that respond to car volume, smart waste management, and a park equipped with systems for monitoring environmental conditions will be implemented. The Ellinikon Park will be the first smart park in Greece, boasting adjustable lighting and optimized energy use. In addition, Little Athens, a neighborhood within The Ellinikon, will introduce around 850 to 900 apartments alongside retail spaces, emphasizing a community-centric living environment. One of the standout structures, the Riviera Tower, is designed to blend with the natural landscape, reaching approximately 200 meters tall. However, Greece is not the only country investing in smart urban developments. In the United States, Bridgeland, an 11,500-acre master-planned community in Houston, Texas, also showcases significant smart city features. This community, developed on former ranch land, will ultimately accommodate about 23,000 homes while preserving 28% of the area as parks and green spaces. Bridgeland stands out for its integration of a purple pipe water reuse system, utilizing recycled water for irrigation purposes, which greatly enhances water conservation and sustainability. The creation of smart cities like The Ellinikon and Bridgeland exemplifies a growing trend in urban development that prioritizes livability and environmental responsibility. Both initiatives aim to establish new standards for urban life by creating interconnected, sustainable communities that adapt to the evolving needs of residents, visitors, and the environment. With ongoing advancements in technology and sustainable practices, these projects could redefine urban living experiences in the coming decades.