{"id":1433,"date":"2025-12-09T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coima.com\/insight\/cities-becoming-smart\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T09:54:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T07:54:28","slug":"cities-becoming-smart","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/coima.com\/en\/urban-stories\/cities-becoming-smart\/","title":{"rendered":"Cities becoming smart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In recent years, artificial intelligence<\/strong> has shifted from being a distant technological frontier to an increasingly integrated part of our daily lives. In the Real Estate sector in particular, AI is no longer a mere promise but a concrete tool capable of redefining the logic behind the management, design, and liveability of urban spaces. We explore this topic with Ferruccio Resta<\/strong>, President of Fondazione Politecnico di Milano, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, and MOST \u2013 the National Center for Sustainable Mobility, as well as an independent board member at COIMA REM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\n \"Ferruccio\n \n
\n Ferruccio Resta, Presidente della Fondazione Politecnico di Milano, della Fondazione Bruno Kessler, e di MOST – Centro Nazionale per la Mobilit\u00e0 Sostenibile, nonch\u00e9 consigliere indipendente in COIMA REM <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n\n\n
\n \"Ferruccio\n \n
\n Ferruccio Resta, Presidente della Fondazione Politecnico di Milano, della Fondazione Bruno Kessler, e di MOST – Centro Nazionale per la Mobilit\u00e0 Sostenibile, nonch\u00e9 consigliere indipendente in COIMA REM <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\u201cThe application of artificial intelligence in real estate marks a profound break from traditional paradigms of design, development, and space management. It is not simply a technological innovation, but a systemic transformation operating on three fundamental levels: the technical-design dimension, urban governance, and the relationship between individuals and the built environment<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this sense, the use of AI in real estate is not only a technical matter involving process efficiency and data analysis, \u201cbut a true <\/em>driver of cultural restructuring<\/em><\/strong>, capable of promoting a more resilient, interactive, and quality-of-life-oriented urban model. This is the battleground on which the challenge of smart cities is being played out<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n\n\n

According to Forbes, in 2023 the global market for AI applied to real estate rose to \u20ac220 billion (+37% compared to the previous year). Although still a fraction of the global real estate market (over \u20ac4 trillion), AI\u2019s influence is set to increase rapidly. The Scenari Immobiliari 2025 Report highlights how the use of innovative techniques and technologies will lead the Italian Real Estate sector to generate \u20ac535 billion in wealth by 2035, rising to \u20ac800 billion by 2050.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n \n Read also: A district that creates value \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

Ma la tecnologia da sola non basta, occorre una gestione integrata e multidisciplinare<\/strong>: Property Manager, Sustainability Manager, Digital Manager e District Manager devono lavorare in sinergia, condividendo dati e visione, per trasformare il quartiere in un organismo vivo, adattivo, intelligente.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this constantly evolving landscape, industry players have been working for years to implement a model in which technology, sustainability, and human-centered design coexist harmoniously. On this point, \u201cthe <\/em>digitalization of construction processes<\/em><\/strong> goes far beyond the introduction of digital tools along the supply chain; it <\/em>rethinks the entire building cycle<\/em><\/strong> – from concept to operation – through an integrated, transparent, and interconnected approach. The first phase of this integration is driven by three main directions: the development of predictive and adaptive models capable of reshaping real estate intervention logic through a data-driven approach; the use of AI for predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, and asset management; and, finally, the <\/em>profound rethinking of the relationship between humans and their surroundings<\/em><\/strong>. By analyzing how people use public spaces, it becomes possible to improve <\/em>service personalization<\/em><\/strong> and deliver targeted responses to citizens\u2019 needs<\/em>.\u201d At the heart of this transition is Building Information Modeling (BIM), a technology that enables the development of a three-dimensional, data-rich building model. When integrated with AI, IoT, and digital twins, BIM can generate real-time simulations of behavioral scenarios, consumption patterns, potential risks, and performance outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, technology alone is not enough. Integrated, multidisciplinary management <\/strong>is essential: property managers, sustainability managers, digital managers, and district managers must work in synergy, sharing data and a unified vision to transform a neighborhood into a living, adaptive, intelligent organism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n \n Read also: New smart living solutions \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

Resta adds: \u201cIn this scenario, designers are called upon to interpret and guide the informational dimension of the process; clients take on an active and informed role in defining sustainability, efficiency, and adaptability objectives; and builders translate data-driven intelligence into construction quality and tangible value<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naturally, challenges and critical issues remain, as should be expected from a still-developing technology. \u201cThe first aspect to consider is the <\/em>quality and availability of data<\/em><\/strong> – an essential condition for AI models to function. Additional challenges relate to <\/em>cybersecurity<\/em><\/strong>, <\/em>privacy<\/em><\/strong> protection, and the need to define <\/em>shared standards of interoperability across platforms and systems<\/em><\/strong>. Another limitation concerns the uneven spread of skills. Not all organizations are ready to <\/em>integrate advanced tools into their processes<\/em><\/strong>, and the risk of technological misalignment is real<\/em>.\u201d Without a strategic vision, Resta warns, \u201cAI risks remaining confined to isolated experiments with no systemic impact<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A clear example of a systemic smart-city vision – one that leverages cutting-edge tools while addressing the most urgent urban challenges, from climate change to increasing urbanization and resource scarcity – is Milan\u2019s Portanuova<\/strong> district. Here, artificial intelligence acts as an enabler of profound change: it enhances property valuation<\/strong>, optimizes building operations<\/strong>, and enables advanced control over energy, flows, maintenance, and environmental quality<\/strong>. AI is used to monitor systems in real time and analyze video and image data<\/strong> to predict<\/strong> malfunctions, improve safety<\/strong>, and create a smoother, more intuitive user experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n \n
\n \"Quartiere\n \n
\n Nel quartiere di Portanuova a Milano, l\u2019intelligenza artificiale \u00e8 gi\u00e0 diventata un abilitatore di un cambiamento profondo <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n\n\n
\n \"Quartiere\n \n
\n Nel quartiere di Portanuova a Milano, l\u2019intelligenza artificiale \u00e8 gi\u00e0 diventata un abilitatore di un cambiamento profondo <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n Read also: Porta Nuova, the first neighborhood designed for the community \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

This transformation, however, goes well beyond technical operations. AI also plays an increasingly important role in shaping the urban experience. AI-powered user-experience<\/em><\/strong> applications<\/strong> help redesign public spaces based on the real needs of those who use them, equipping them with intuitive informational tools always at hand. By analyzing behavior, spatial flows, and interactions through apps, it becomes possible to design pathways, services, and environments that respond more precisely to people\u2019s needs<\/strong>. Resta adds that AI also \u201cmakes it possible to monitor the equitable use of shared spaces, perceived safety<\/strong>, and the level of comfort<\/strong> provided to everyone who experiences them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sustainability<\/strong>, too, is strengthened by intelligent data: \u201cWhen integrated into business processes, AI can turn ESG principles into measurable and traceable actions. It can optimize energy consumption, monitor carbon footprints in real time, improve environmental quality, help design more inclusive spaces, and reinforce governance. AI is not just a performance accelerator but a tool for strategic coherence.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n \n Read also: Connectivity and measurable results for sustainable real estate \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

But governance<\/strong>, too, can benefit from the advantages provided by artificial intelligence which, in Resta\u2019s view, must become a tool to strengthen companies\u2019 decision-making capabilities: \u201cBy <\/em>automating ESG data analysis and integrating it into auditing, reporting, and strategic planning<\/em><\/strong> processes, AI enables greater transparency, traceability, and responsiveness. Companies that adopt these tools in a structured way will be able to <\/em>demonstrate to stakeholders<\/em><\/strong> – investors, institutions, communities – their commitment in a documented, timely, and comparable manner<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only by leveraging the full potential of artificial intelligence in the ESG domain will smart cities truly become places where human well-being and innovation intertwine to enhance quality of life and foster growth and development. \u201cThe challenge of smart cities can be summarized by the very nature of ESG evaluation criteria and lies in the ability to coordinate strategic vision, digital innovation, and collective responsibility: technology is not an end in itself, but the means to achieve it. And truly intelligent cities must be, above all, <\/em>profoundly human<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1430,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","newsletter":"0","immagine_archivio":"1432","sottotitolo":"AI is capable of transforming districts and urban centers into sustainable, efficient, and people-centric smart cities. Urban Stories discusses this evolution with Ferruccio Resta.","video_intro":"","grid_image":"6929","_ensoul_lang":"en","_ensoul_tr_group":"17de8b5f-840a-4b67-be13-9b238a65a0c3"},"categories":[9,65],"tipo":[3],"class_list":["post-1433","insight","type-insight","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-human-technology-en","category-wise-views-en","tipo-story"],"acf":{"newsletter":false,"immagine_archivio":1432,"sottotitolo":"AI is capable of transforming districts and urban centers into sustainable, efficient, and people-centric smart cities. Urban Stories discusses this evolution with Ferruccio Resta.","riassunti":[{"paragrafo":"

The application of artificial intelligence in real estate marks a profound break from traditional paradigms of design, development, and space management, a systemic transformation operating on three fundamental levels: the technical-design dimension, urban governance, and the relationship between individuals and the built environment<\/p>"},{"paragrafo":"

The first phase of this integration is driven by three main directions: the development of predictive and adaptive models capable of reshaping real estate intervention logic through a data-driven approach; the use of AI for predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, and asset management; and the profound rethinking of the relationship between humans and their surroundings<\/p>"},{"paragrafo":"

The challenge of smart cities can be summarized by the very nature of ESG evaluation criteria and lies in the ability to coordinate strategic vision, digital innovation, and collective responsibility<\/p>"}],"articoli_correlati":[{"titolo":"The era of sustainable cities has already begun","immagine":715,"link":"https:\/\/coima.com\/en\/urban-stories\/the-era-of-sustainable-cities-has-already-begun\/"},{"titolo":"Connectivity and measurable results for sustainable real estate","immagine":828,"link":"https:\/\/coima.com\/en\/urban-stories\/connectivity-and-measurable-results-for-sustainable-real-estate\/"}],"gallery":"","video_intro":"","video_gallery":null,"downloadables":null,"rassegna_stampa":null},"yoast_head":"\nCities becoming smart - Coima<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/coima.com\/en\/urban-stories\/cities-becoming-smart\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cities becoming smart - Coima\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/coima.com\/en\/urban-stories\/cities-becoming-smart\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Coima\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-06T07:54:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/coima.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Smart_city_1920x545_2.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"546\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/en\\\/urban-stories\\\/cities-becoming-smart\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/en\\\/urban-stories\\\/cities-becoming-smart\\\/\",\"name\":\"Cities becoming smart - Coima\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/en\\\/urban-stories\\\/cities-becoming-smart\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/en\\\/urban-stories\\\/cities-becoming-smart\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/app\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/Smart_city_1920x545_2.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-12-08T23:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-06T07:54:28+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/en\\\/urban-stories\\\/cities-becoming-smart\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/en\\\/urban-stories\\\/cities-becoming-smart\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/en\\\/urban-stories\\\/cities-becoming-smart\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/app\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/Smart_city_1920x545_2.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/coima.com\\\/app\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/Smart_city_1920x545_2.jpeg\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":546,\"caption\":\"A section of a city street equipped with Internet of Things devices to manage a smart city. 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