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7/11/25, 1:53 PM Insights: What the Middle East can learn about ‘smart’ spaces from the French City of Pau - Construction Week Online
The technology has improved communications, strengthening the relationship between city
residents and authorities by engaging the community on decisions about the city’s future.

The reason this has been such a success has been Pau’s understanding of their ‘customers’ are
and their clear line of sight throughout to their end users – above all, their citizens. You can
read more about Pau’s success here.

Cities and citizens

Today, 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas and by 2050, that figure is expected
to rise to 68% according to the UN.

With this rapid urbanisation, climate change and a host of other complex issues to manage,
those establishing, leading and planning or our cities need to follow three basic principles:
Start with the end in mind, be led by the challenges and needs of your citizens – not by the
technology, and ensure those citizens are a central part of the journey. That way, we can
ensure our cities are resilient, sustainable, liveable and truly smart.

Olly Thomas is the Director of Advisory Services (EMEA) at Bentley Systems

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