Beyond the buzzwords with HafenCity Hamburg

Is "smart city" just another buzzword? Or a useful way of thinking about how to make urban life more livable, sustainable, diverse, healthy and equitable? We speak to the head of one of the largest property development and urbal planning projects in Europe, HafenCity Hamburg. And we get an assessment from two smart-cities experts on the challenges and opportunities of the metropoles of the future.

As Germany’s cities grow, and environmental and other demands intensify, the need for innovative and intellegent urban planning is creating business opportunities in Europe’s largest economy.

Our Guests:
Andreas Kleinau is the CEO of HafenCity Hamburg, Europe’s most extensive inner-city property development project. Started 25 years ago, HafenCity is now a vibrant, functional part of Germany’s second biggest city. Its unique mix of commercial, residential, educational and leisure aspects has won many major architecture and urban design awards at home and abroad.
Tamlyn Shimizu is the lead for global partnerships and communication at Bable. A spin-off of leading Geran applied research organization the Fraunhofer Society, the young company fosters relationships with key stakeholders to promote sustainable and innovative urban solutions. Shimizu is also the host of Bable's "Smart in the City" podcast
Robert Compton is a deputy director of energy construction and environmental technologies at Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) and a key figure in GTAI’s Smart Cities initiative.

Walt Disney sound bite courtesy of 1966 EPCOT Film:
https://youtu.be/UEm-09B0px8?feature=shared