nex us
CITIES
future of cities
In recent years, we have witnessed a significant increase in the debate on smart cities and urban sustainability.
The Nexus concept proposes a revolutionary and interdisciplinary approach to address the growing challenges of modern cities.
But what sets it apart from so many other smart city initiatives? And why is it essential for the urban future?
nexus: the next of us
the concept of nexus
Nexus, from the Latin “connection”, refers to the interdependence and interaction between different urban systems, such as water, energy, mobility, infrastructure, people, environment, among many others. This concept is the central pillar of my new project Nexus: The Next of Us, and aims to offer practical and interdisciplinary solutions for sustainable urban development. The goal is to ensure that these systems are not treated in isolation, but rather in an interconnected way, creating a more resilient and adaptable urban ecosystem.
the urgency of the interdisciplinary approach
Traditionally, cities have faced problems such as mobility, urban planning and resource management in a fragmented manner. Energy is managed by one entity, water by another, and urban infrastructure is often designed without considering intersectoral impacts. This has generated inefficiencies and specific crises that could be avoided with a more holistic view. Nexus fills this gap, bringing a methodology that combines technology, sustainability and intersectoral integration to better manage resources and optimize the functioning of cities.
smart cities, sustainability and technology
As we move towards a more urbanized future, the search for smart solutions that promote sustainability is more urgent than ever. One example is the application of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cities, which allow the optimization of resource flows, such as energy and water, improving efficiency and reducing waste. In addition, the Nexus project aims to differentiate itself by integrating these technologies with robust data analysis, allowing cities to make informed decisions that result in more sustainable, long-term solutions.
opportunities and challenges
The Nexus project initially aims to focus on Portuguese cities and those in CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) countries, where the potential for urban transformation is vast. Emerging countries face significant challenges in terms of infrastructure, but this also represents an opportunity to implement innovative solutions that can be replicated globally.
However, there are challenges to be addressed. Adopting this interdisciplinary approach requires cultural and institutional changes. Local and national governments will need to embrace collaboration between traditionally siloed sectors. Private companies and public organizations will need to invest in technology and education to prepare the workforce of the future.
a new form of citizenship
Nexus also emphasizes the importance of citizen participation. Interconnected cities cannot thrive without the active involvement of their inhabitants. Technology alone will not solve urban problems if it is not accompanied by a culture of participation, where citizens have an active voice in the decisions that affect their communities. Nexus is not just about connecting physical systems, but about fostering a network of social collaboration that integrates government, the private sector and civil society.
conclusion
The future of cities is undoubtedly interconnected. Projects like Nexus are an essential step towards ensuring that the cities of tomorrow are not only technologically advanced and efficient, but also sustainable and inclusive. By promoting an interdisciplinary and integrative approach , Nexus has the potential to transform the way we think, design and live in cities.
The real challenge, however, will not be technological, but anthropological. A coordinated effort will be needed to change mindsets, break down institutional silos and foster a shared vision of sustainable urbanism. The future is in our hands – or, better said, in our interconnected networks.
This project aims to highlight the innovation brought by Nexus and how it can positively impact cities, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary and sustainable solutions.