Exploring the emergence of a new smart city model: Case analysis of the Moroccan urbanization

Abstract

More than half world population lives in cities. In Morocco, the urbanization has more than doubled during the last fifty years to reach 59.2 % today. More than ever, this sociodemographic situation conditions the challenges which the country has to raise to assure an optimal quality of life for the Moroccan citizens. The idea of smart-cities is examined with respect to the intent, including current urbanization models, development issues and city planning in Morocco; the case of the proposed smart-city of Casablanca, a flagship of proposals and current realities is looked at. An indigenous alternative following the model proposed of smart-villages instead is examined for appropriateness.