Planning, Design and Construction of Smart and Resilient Urban Cities: Development Frameworks, Pathways and Challenges

Abstract

This chapter explores the developmental significance and implications of smart and resilient cities, with a particular focus on the challenges inherent in their planning, design, and construction. It further investigates the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to improve scenario planning methodologies within the context of smart and resilient urban development. Specifically, it identifies opportunities for AI integration across three critical components of scenario planning: plan generation, scenario generation, and plan evaluation. The chapter also addresses the technical and institutional challenges associated with AI integration and proposes practical solutions, while emphasizing the indispensable role of planning professionals in guiding the AI-enabled decision-making process. In addition, the chapter delineates the objectives and foundational principles of territorial spatial resilience planning and proposes a comprehensive framework that incorporates technical, spatial governance, and operational dimensions. A developmental pathway is articulated across these dimensions, accompanied by strategic recommendations targeting three core domains: (1) strengthening the legal and regulatory frame- works, (2) advancing policy systems, and (3) refining technical standards. These measures aim to support both academic inquiry and practical implementation of land-space resilience strategies. Furthermore, the chapter introduces a structured planning framework supported by ecological pathways and performance indicators to guide the evaluation and advancement of smart and resilient cities. Key policy recommendations include: (1) substantially increasing public financial investments to elevate infrastructure resilience standards; (2) enacting comprehensive emergency management laws and regulations to enhance social governance; (3) prioritizing the deployment of intelligent information technologies to foster innovation; and (4) encouraging multi-level, cross-sectoral collaboration led by public authorities. These strategies collectively aim to promote the development of smart and resilient cities, thereby contributing to high-quality and sustainable urban growth. Finally, the chapter introduces the emerging concept of Smart-Resilient 5.0 from an environmental perspective, outlining its theoretical foundations and identifying priority research areas that characterize the next evolution in smart and resilient urban systems.