In the heart of northeastern China, a unique blend of tradition and technology is reshaping the future of smart city infrastructure. A recent study led by Yaqi Zhang from Lanzhou University, published in the *Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering* (which translates to *Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering*), sheds light on how regional culture is influencing the development of smart cities in this area. The research, which combines multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) frameworks and digital twin technology, offers valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and the energy sector.
The study, titled “Architectural identity in smart city development: a multi-criteria study on regional culture in northeastern China,” explores how cultural values, governance models, and socio-economic conditions impact smart city development. Zhang and her team collected data from urban planners, policymakers, architects, and residents of key cities in the region. Their findings reveal that while technology acceptance is confirmed, there is a strong preference for preserving regional identity through adaptive strategies in urban planning.
“Our research shows that computational intelligence aids differential urban transformation under uncertainty, but it’s crucial to keep cultural aspects in mind,” Zhang explains. The study employs MCDM methods to examine the importance of relevance and cultural weightage in decision-making frameworks aimed at optimizing infrastructure, sustainability, and efficiency.
One of the key challenges identified in the study is change management. As cities strive to become smarter, they must balance the integration of new technologies with the preservation of traditional architectural elements and local institutional frameworks. This is where digital twin technology comes into play. Digital twins create virtual replicas of physical assets, allowing planners to simulate and optimize urban systems before implementing changes in the real world.
The findings suggest that hybrid decision support systems, which combine MCDM frameworks with stakeholder consultations, could enhance smart city project formulation without compromising heritage. This approach could have significant implications for the energy sector, as it seeks to integrate renewable energy sources and smart grids into urban infrastructure.
As the world continues to urbanize, the lessons learned from northeastern China could shape the future of smart city development globally. By prioritizing regional identity and cultural preservation, cities can create sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban environments that benefit both residents and businesses.
In the words of Zhang, “The future of smart cities lies in their ability to adapt and evolve, while staying true to their cultural roots.” As the energy sector looks to the future, the insights from this study could prove invaluable in shaping the cities of tomorrow.