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KPFui Proposes Novel Approach to Smart City Making at ULI Asia

Participating in a panel at the organization’s Asia Pacific Summit, Luc Wilson presented his team’s efforts to apply data analysis at the city scale.

As the Director of KPF Urban Interface (KPFui), Wilson utilized his experience to propose that cities display smart design from their inception, rather than having to rely on the application of new technologies to preexisting urban centers.

In this sense, he posed two initial questions: “How does one design a city with data?” and “What is the desired outcome?” From here, his methodology laid out some different ways to explore these queries—from quantitative and qualitative measurements to iterations of urban forms—and particular instances in which they intersect. For example, one visual analysis compared hours of daylight and comfort across different buildings scales in one neighborhood setting, illustrating the balance of trade-offs for a particular approach to urban design. In all, Luc Wilson emphasized the importance of workflow in applying data to form, which reiterates his and KPFui’s attitude towards smart urbanism.

Representatives from AECOM, Microsoft, Transpacific Enterprises, K-Water, and Ascendas-Singbridge joined Luc Wilson on the panel; together, the group embodied leaders with diverse interests in the charge towards smart cities, infrastructure, and real estate.

KPF Urban Interface leverages new thinking and technology in our professional practice, along with research collaborations with universities and government agencies, in the service of more livable, profitable, equitable and resilient cities.