Smart City Projects Demonstrate Capabilities at Home and Abroad
The former Athens International Airport site, known as **The Ellinikon**, is undergoing an ambitious redevelopment and urban regeneration project, positioning it as one of the largest such projects in Europe. The plan, spearheaded by Lamda Development, aims to transform the site into a world-class smart and green city showcasing cutting-edge technology and sustainability[1][2].
In the bustling city of Houston, Texas, another master-planned community, Bridgeland, is being developed on a one-time ranch. Bridgeland represents the future of thoughtful, sustainable development, as stated by Jim Carman, president of the Houston Region at Howard Hughes[2].
### Key Components of the Development Plans:
The Ellinikon and Bridgeland share a common vision for urban development, focusing on creating vibrant, multifunctional urban areas. The Ellinikon will feature Europe’s largest coastal park, offering much-needed public open spaces to Athens[1][4]. Both developments incorporate housing, hotels, shopping centers, academic and medical institutions, and mixed-use areas to create thriving urban communities.
To support low-carbon, car-free movement, the Ellinikon will introduce a new Athens Metro line extension, enhanced tram and bike networks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging stations[2]. Bridgeland will use a purple pipe water reuse system to conserve potable water by irrigating common areas with recycled water from its lakes[2].
### How The Ellinikon and Bridgeland Exemplify Smart City Concepts:
Both developments emphasize the "15-minute city" model, allowing residents to access work, shopping, exercise, health, and education services within 15 minutes by walking or cycling, promoting convenience and sustainability[1]. They also integrate technology and sustainability, with real-time smart city systems managing energy and water usage, and a focus on decarbonization, resource conservation, and a circular economy[1][2].
The Ellinikon is the first area in Greece to be developed as a smart city, featuring traffic-regulating traffic lights, garbage trucks that arrive when bins are full, and a "smart park" with systems that adjust lighting intensity based on the season and time of day[2]. Bridgeland Central, a growing commercial district, uses sustainable features like a 10,000-gallon rainwater and condensate cistern, native landscaping, and high-efficiency water features to reduce energy use by 25% and municipal water consumption by up to 80%[2].
### Social and Economic Impact:
The Ellinikon's redevelopment brings significant compensatory benefits to the local municipalities, addressing past exclusion from economic growth opportunities during the airport’s operational years and after its closure[3]. The development spans a total area of 6.2 square miles, with only 2.7 square miles to be built, and has attracted approximately 12,000 interested purchasers from more than 110 countries[2].
In conclusion, The Ellinikon and Bridgeland are models of urban regeneration that exemplify smart city principles through their integration of technology, sustainability, modern urban design, and socio-economic regeneration. They create connected, efficient, green, and livable districts that redefine Athens’ and Houston’s urban identities and serve as pioneering blueprints for European smart cities[1][2][3][4].
Sources: [1] Lamda Development. (n.d.). The Ellinikon. Retrieved from https://www.lamda-development.com/the-ellinikon/ [2] Bridgeland. (n.d.). Master-Planned Community in Houston, Texas. Retrieved from https://www.bridgeland.com/ [3] The Ellinikon. (2021). Urban Regeneration: The Ellinikon, Athens. Retrieved from https://www.theellinikon.com/urban-regeneration/ [4] The Ellinikon. (2021). The Ellinikon Masterplan. Retrieved from https://www.theellinikon.com/masterplan/
- The plan for The Ellinikon in Athens, a former international airport, includes the creation of Europe's largest coastal park as a key feature, to promote environmental science and address climate-change concerns within the smart city.
- Bridgeland, a master-planned community in Houston, Texas, is being developed with a focus on sustainability and efficiency, as demonstrated by the use of a water reuse system and a 10,000-gallon rainwater cistern in Bridgeland Central.
- The redevelopment of The Ellinikon in Athens is not only about urban regeneration, but also serves as an investment opportunity, attracting over 12,000 interested purchasers from more than 110 countries, highlighting the intersection of finance, real-estate, and smart city development.
