A Blueprint for Smart & Sustainable Coastal City Development
"A smart city design is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a necessity for the longevity and continuous economic growth globally." -Rachel Zlatar, Founder at The Ocean Edition
Background
From ancient settlements to modern metropolises, cities have a profound impact on human civilizations. Representing more than just office buildings, cities have historically served as places of protection, commerce, community, industrial nodes, citadels, trade hubs, melting pots and sanctuaries. As we look back on our achievements across infrastructure development, we are beginning to recognize the critical juncture at which we stand today. As populations continue to grow, it is estimated that 28.25 million new housing units per year will be required to address the housing shortage equating to roughly USD $3-4 trillion annually in global investment to achieve SDG 11 targets. Navigating the intricacies of urbanization, climate change, resource scarcity and social disparities presents formidable challenges. The future of our cities, particularly those in coastal regions. home to roughly 37% of our world’s population lives within the coastline and particularly vulnerable to future climate challenges, hinges on our commitment to pioneering sustainable practices and resilient infrastructure to foster vibrant, enduring urban landscapes for future generations.
Urbanization Challenges:
By the year 2030, almost 60% of the total population living in the developing world will live in cities.
93% of the future urban population growth will occur in the developing countries, mainly Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
565 million new housing units will be needed to accomodate the 830 million people living in slums and additional 2 billion in population increase by 2030.
Cities contribute to 75% of global CO2 emissions, with transport and buildings being among the largest contributors.
(Reference: UN-Habitat 2023)
The Opportunity:
The opportunity lies in developing smart, sustainable cities with affordable, resilient infrastructure that supports health, drives economic growth, and expands urban, coastal areas.
Smart Cities: Future-Proofing Urban Coastal Living Solutions
A smart city is an urban area with the goal of creating an efficient, sustainable, and livable urban environment by leveraging technology and data-driven insights to address urban challenges and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
An Urgent Need For Change
For coastal cities and beachfront tourism destinations, becoming a smart coastal city is more than just a technological upgrade; it's a transformative journey towards sustainability and resilience that redefines the way these destinations operate and interact with their environment. The urgent need for change is driven by the pressing challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and the increasing demand for sustainable tourism and housing infrastructure. Adopting innovative solutions that ensure long-term viability and prosperity is imperative. By integrating smart technologies, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable practices, these cities can protect their natural resources, support economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
"Smart city design is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a necessity for the longevity and continuous economic growth globally." -Rachel Zlatar, Founder at The Ocean Edition
Key Considerations
Advanced technology integration
Sustainable practices
Efficient public services
Infrastructure and transportation
Public health and wellness
Data-driven decision making
Connectivity and communication
Citizen engagement and interaction
Innovation and economic growth
Cultural and historic preservation
The Urban Sanctuary: A Vision For Our Future
As visioneers in smart coastal infrastructure, we dreamed up a city that transcends traditional living spaces, emerging as a vibrant ecosystem dedicated to enhancing quality of life while safeguarding marine and coastal environments. Utilizing renewable energy, our advanced infrastructure seamlessly integrates IoT and AI to provide an efficient, resilient urban experience. Our dedication to environmental stewardship, innovation and intentional design is evident across all layers of what we do.
Key Highlights
Climate-resistant coastal community
Coliving and coworking building
Marina Village and yacht club
Outdoor community space
Multi-purpose sporting facilities
Outdoor amphitheatre
Dog park
Yoga and meditation shala
Food and beverage kiosks
Glamping park
Our Pillars: Traditions, Trends and Technologies
Climate-Resilient Oceanfront Villas
The homes feature reinforced structures, elevated foundations, and materials resistant to saltwater corrosion. They include large windows for natural lighting, solar panels for energy, and green roofs for insulation and rainwater harvesting. The design is modern and compact, surrounded by permeable pathways, native coastal vegetation, and community gardens, providing a clean, functional, and resilient living space.
Outdoor Community Living Space
A vibrant and forward-thinking beachfront community space for athletics and outdoor activities, featuring an Olympic-sized pool, multi-purpose sporting facilities, playgrounds, outdoor fitness stations, bicycle and running paths, watersports center, picnic areas, dog park, outdoor amphitheatre, wellness zones for yoga, meditation and tai chi classes, educational gardens and local food and beverage kiosks.
Innovative IoT For Community Wellness
Adaptive solar-powered lighting, using IoT-enabled lights auto-adjusting to conserve energy
Connected fitness stations and smart pathways, embedding sensors to monitor foot-traffic and provide user data
Air quality sensors and weather stations, providing localised forecasts
Smart irrigation systems and permeable surfaces, collecting runoff and watering based on vegetation needs
Smart parking systems to avoid congestion and improve access
Connected surveillance and emergency response systems
Food & Beverage Outlets
Our food and beverage kiosks integrate cutting-edge sustainability and community-building practices to create an innovative culinary hub. Featuring communal cooking classes and farm-to-table food sourced from a local permaculture farm and vertical herb farming systems installed on kiosk walls emphasizing urban agriculture. The kiosks are powered by solar panels and equipped with green roofs, contributing to renewable energy use and efficient insulation. Designed to foster conscious social interaction, the picnic tables are equipped with board games, turning dining into a communal, engaging experience.
Zero-Waste Initiatives
Our food and beverage kiosks will incorporate advanced waste management systems to support the community's zero-waste initiatives. Including:
Reverse vending machines collecting reusable containers,
On-site and Bokashi composting facilities
Bulk-dispensing and reusable container system
IoT enabled bins equipped with sensors to monitor fill levels and optimize collection schedules, reducing overflow and collection frequency
Coliving & Coworking Space
Our co-living space offers a modern, community-focused living experience designed to foster collaboration, convenience, and sustainability. Featuring stylish, fully-furnished apartments, shared common areas, and vibrant social spaces, perfect for individuals seeking a balance between privacy and community.
Bio-Hacking Homes
Our food and beverage kiosks will incorporate advanced waste management systems to support the community's zero-waste initiatives. Including:
Smart lighting systems to mimic natural daylight cycles
Advanced air purifiers with activated carbon filters, real-time monitoring and UV-C light air sterilizers
Alkaline water filtration system
Smart mattress and alarm clock syncing your body to natural cycles
Ergonomically-designed furniture and home decor based on Feng Shui principles
Marina Village & Yacht Club
This sustainable marina is a testament to our commitment to preserving marine environments while offering modern amenities and services to the boating community. Leveraging cutting-edge solutions, the marina will offer ample electric charging stations, smart docking systems managed through a mobile app, water quality and marine life monitoring systems, operating 100% on renewable energy and use all biodegradable products across hospitality operations.
Nomad Camping Site
Reducing the need for resource-intensive infrastructure, welcoming innovative and alternative accommodation solutions not only allows us to reduce our environmental impact, but is also the choice for modern travelers.
For the Next Generation of Explorers
The future of travel for Gen Z and Millennials is characterized by a profound shift towards seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, embracing closer connections to nature, and exploring alternative housing options. This new wave of travelers prioritizes experiences that offer authenticity, sustainability, and a deeper immersion into local cultures and environments.
Read the Full Guide Here:
About The Ocean Edition
We are dedicated to pioneering the future of sustainable coastal cities through visionary projects, global collaborations, and innovative support for emerging technologies. Our mission is to unlock new economic opportunities in emerging regions by fostering innovation and promoting global collaboration with a strong focus on protecting the precious marine environments at the core of these coastal communities. Our team supports private and public projects with economic and tourism development initiatives, sustainable infrastructure projects, digital and smart technology integration, business acceleration, and global partnerships.
Our Focus:
Construction & Infrastructure
Leisure Marine & Yachting
Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
Sustainability & Blue Economy
Want to connect with us?
✉️ Send an email to rachel@theoceanedition.com.
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