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Can smart homes make smart cities more sustainable and liveable?

Marchal, Alice

(2023)

Details

Supervisors

Vanderdonckt, Jean

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

The challenges of increasing urbanization and environmental protection have become major concerns for contemporary societies, driving cities to adopt sustainable strategies for their development. The concept of the smart city is emerging as a solution for optimizing the use of resources and improving citizens' quality of life. However, the integration of smart homes into smart cities remains little studied. This thesis aims to fill this gap by examining the potential contribution of smart homes to improving urban sustainability and well-being. The research question is whether smart homes can indeed make cities more sustainable and liveable. The study follows a three-part approach. First, it explores the concept of smart city and smart home, defining their characteristics, objectives and challenges. Next, the analysis draws on interviews with four experts specializing in smart cities to understand the potential application of smart homes and their impact on urban sustainability. The results reveal ideas that may be useful for the future development of cities. This thesis nuances the harmony between smart homes and smart cities, considering their compatibility and their ability to address specific urban challenges. The integration of smart homes into smart cities can pave the way for improved urban living in the face of evolving global challenges. Building on the best practices already in place, this study offers new avenues for research to improve the resilience of our cities in the 21st century.