The Metaverse and Smart Cities

Dr. Zaheer Allam holds a PhD in Humanities, a Master of Arts (Res), an MBA, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Architectural Science from universities in Australia and the United Kingdom. Based in Mauritius, he was the first Chairperson of the National Youth Environment Council (NYEC) at the Prime Minister’s Office in Mauritius, and is currently a board member of the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency (MARENA). He works on several projects on the thematic of Smart Cities and on strategies dwelling in the increasing role of technology in culture and society. Zaheer is also the African Representative of the International Society of Biourbanism (ISB), member of the Advisory Circle of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), and a member of several other international bodies. He holds several awards and commendations and is the author of over 145 peer reviewed publications and author of 10 books about Smart, Sustainable and Future Cities.Dr. Zarrin Allam is a clinician-scientist with a passion for building healthy and livable cities. She currently works as a Geriatrician and Director of Physician Education at Royal Perth Hospital. Dr. Allam has published in peer-reviewed journals on the topic of healthy and livable cities, and her research interests include the impact of the built environment on health, the role of urban planning in promoting health, and the development of interventions to improve the health of urban populations. In addition to her clinical work and research, Dr. Allam is actively involved in medical education and doctor well-being. She is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and professional development, and she is committed to providing her students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful clinicians while developing their interest in urban healthy environments.

• 1. Introduction to the Metaverse2. The History and Evolution of the Metaverse3. The Metaverse and Smart Cities4. The Metaverse and Sustainable Cities5. The Metaverse and Future Cities6. The Impact of the Metaverse on Urban Life7. The Metaverse and Urban Planning8. The Metaverse and Real Estate Development9. The Social Implications of the Metaverse in Cities10. The Economic Implications of the Metaverse in Cities11. The Environmental Implications of the Metaverse in Cities12. Conclusion and Future Outlook

"Explores the concept of the metaverse, focusing on its promise for the future of cities and urban life and its potential to be a transformative force in the development of smart cities.... Discusses the linkages between the metaverse and smart cities in the context of urban planning and design pursuits. Describes how the metaverse might contribute to the development of sustainable cities by fostering economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of immersive digital environments into urban environments. Examines the potential of the metaverse in transforming urban planning practices and processes. Delves into the transformative relationship between the metaverse and real estate development. Investigates the role and potential of the metaverse in promoting waste reduction, green spaces, and sustainable lifestyles in cities." --September 2024 Issue, Journal of Economic Literature (Volume 62, no. 3)