13 Aug 2019
Las Vegas to host world's first 'smart mini-city'
BY Tom Walker
Plans have been unveiled to build the world's first 'smart mini-city' in Las Vegas, US.
Real estate trust Bleutech Park Properties said the US$7.5bn (€6.7bn, £6.2bn) project will "redefine the infrastructure sector".
The insular mini-city will look to utilise the latest technology available, such as automated multi-functional designs, renewable energies from solar/wind/water/kinetic, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, "supertrees", and self-healing concrete structures.
Called Bleutech Park, the mixed-use development will feature hotels, entertainment areas, ultra-luxury residential units, offices and retail space.
Bleutech – a Real-Estate Investment Trust (REIT) supported by institutional investors and private equity investments – said it will break ground on the project in December 2019 and expects to complete the construction in six years.
Bleutech's strategic partners include contractor Martin-Harris Construction and technology leader Cisco.
"We look forward to playing an integral role in this ground-breaking initiative, which will deliver a one-of-a-kind experience to its guests and visitors," said Mike Grigsby, from Cisco's Smart+Connected Communities group.
"It will push the envelope of innovation and bring together technology solutions that once seemed like pure science fiction.
"The convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities in a project like this challenges the way we define both of those solutions. It opens our thinking to what is truly possible and reveals just how expansive the connected communities concept really is."
Creating a net-zero city
The project is set to use some of the most innovative sustainable solutions currently available.
Photovoltaic glass will be standard in all structures, turning entire building exteriors into single solar panels, committed to zero-carbon emissions and harvesting solar energy for use and providing 100 per cent grid-independence.
Flooring systems will be designed to capture and reuse the energy of human movement throughout the park – including common areas and parking structures.
Resources for heating, cooling, lighting and electricity will be harvested on-site.
Bleutech Park buildings will also be connected to a broader, highly sustainable network of "supertrees" allowing a 95 per cent reduction in imported water consumption and an opportunity for improved biodiversity.
Interface points amongst all technologies will be used throughout Bleutech Park, working in unison with strategic partners, which will result in the ability to utilise the Internet of Things and all of its capabilities and applications.
Close Window