From Indus Valley to Smart Cities: Integrating Historical Urban Planning with Web 3.0 Technologies
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How can modern smart(er) cities learn from ancient urban planning principles and use Web 3.0 technologies like AI, blockchain, and metaverse to enhance urban resilience, sustainability, and community engagement? Here’s how we can integrate historical wisdom with cutting-edge technology that promises more efficient, sustainable, and livable urban environments.
The cities of ancient India during the Indus civilisation, which flourished around 3300–1300 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwest India, didn't just appear overnight. They came into being through a gradual process of urbanisation, which started in the early prehistoric era and unfolded through different historical stages.
This gradual evolution of urban culture is evidence that history goes deeper into the layers of time and that the forces of nature contributed to what it took to build these cities.
The ancient Indus Valley Civilisation practices are still followed in the modern era. This lays the very foundation of our modern cities with features like urban resilience, sustainability, and community participation. This, in its true essence, provides an exciting prospect for modern professionals, including architects, computing experts, urban planners, and engineers.
Just imagine the possibilities when we combine the wisdom of our ancestors with the modern technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence, IoT, 3D and spatial computing, digital twin technology, and many others that shape the Web 3.0 era. This potential for progress should inspire and give hope for the future of urban development.
How would modern technology enhance the Indus Valley Civilisation foundational practices and improve community experiences?
The historical architecture of Indus Valley Civilisation, which stands as a marvel even for the modern times, not only piques our interest but also holds immense potential for exemplifying modern urban development.
The ingenious water management system of wells, reservoirs, and early sanitation during Indus Valley Civilisation, sets a remarkable precedent in urban planning. Their ability to handle monsoon water and prevent flooding was truly ahead of its time. Barcelona, for instance, takes ideas for sustainable water handling practices and ensures better resource efficiency. The city uses smart water technology to monitor real-time consumption and detect leaks.
The renowned planned grid layouts and efficient zoning of the Indus Valley Civilisation cities set a high standard for urban planning. The cities had regular blocks of houses for residents of different skills and status. These well planned cities exhibited significant evidence of trade, with public granaries and well-planned dwellings.
The meticulous planning, the use of interlocking bricks for solid walls, and the construction of unique buildings on citadels - all this is nothing, but speaks about the sophistication of their urban planning.
The cities were typically divided into higher western parts, called the citadels, and more extensive. The lower eastern parts, also called the lower towns, were a unique feature of this urban landscape. This level of urban planning, executed with such precision, is a true marvel to explore and respect.
The modern-day city of Songdo in South Korea takes this legacy forward by leveraging digital tools to enhance urban planning. Digital zoning strategies optimise land use, making residential, commercial, and recreational areas easily accessible. This digital enhancement ensures that modern cities are more adaptable and responsive to urban growth and community needs, a reassuring sign for the future of urban development.