Planned Sustainable City Could Be Complete By 2015.
New Scientist (10/11, Knight) reported on PlanIT Valley, a planned city in Portugal that "is aiming to be an environmentally sustainable city. And, just like an organism, it will have a brain: a central computer that regulates everything from its water use to energy consumption." Living PlanIT CEO Steven Lewis described the design as "urban metabolism." While similar projects are planned around the world, "this could be the first to be fully built - by 2015 - and could open its doors as early as next year." Simon Joss of the UK's University of Westminster said "the 2015 completion date may be optimistic, and that the project's success cannot be determined until people move in." However, "the city's technologies could be retrofitted to existing towns," something Joss said "would be a good idea."
Popular Science (10/11, Boyle) reports, "In addition to the brain, the city has several other body-esque functions: A renal system of reeds and bamboo that filters water; a digestive system that involves dishwasher-sized contraptions that process human waste and food to produce biofuel; and even a visual sensing system that can track lost kids and connect them with their parents. Special apps will inform residents about traffic and other local issues." Efficiency and resource reuse are major focuses of the project, and "buildings are designed as hexagons to maximize space." The article comments, "It's nothing if not ambitious, and critics point out that significant funding obstacles remain - the project needs to raise around $10 billion more, according to one estimate."
(from First Bell engineering mailing list)
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