Novel Technologies and Improving Quality of Life in Smart Cities: Challenges and Opportunities of Smart Housing

Subject Areas : urbanism

Salman Moradi ¹ , Somayeh Rezaei Sough ^{2 *}

1 - Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Engineering, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 - Phd Candidate, Department of Urban Engineering, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Received: 2025-05-04 Accepted : 2025-08-20 Published : 2025-08-12

Keywords: Novel Technologies , Quality of Life, Smart City, Smart Housing,

Abstract :

Smart housing has emerged as a pivotal component of the broader smart city paradigm, reflecting the integration of advanced technologies, urban governance, and socio-cultural adaptation to enhance energy efficiency, improve residents’ comfort, and strengthen the safety and resilience of living environments. Its transformative potential is evident in both environmental and socio-economic dimensions; however, its widespread diffusion is still constrained by a set of intertwined barriers. These include economic and financial challenges, technical and infrastructural limitations, socio-cultural resistance, and legal or regulatory ambiguities that collectively hinder large-scale implementation. Accordingly, this study aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of these challenges while outlining strategic pathways that may accelerate the effective realization of smart housing in future urban contexts. The research adopted a qualitative methodology, employing semi- structured interviews with 14 key stakeholders, including government officials, municipal managers, academic experts, and professional practitioners. Conducted between February and March 2025, the interviews totaled 410 minutes, with an average duration of 29 minutes, and were fully transcribed for systematic analysis. Using MAXQDA software, the data were coded in three stages—open, axial, and selective coding—resulting in 580 initial codes, refined into 95 main codes, 29 subcategories, and 10 core categories. This analytical structure enabled the identification of both opportunities and barriers that shape the trajectory of smart housing development. The findings demonstrate that smart housing offers quantifiable benefits: reductions in residential energy consumption by up to 35%, improvements in quality-of-life indicators by nearly 40%, and increases in property values by 25–30%. Beyond these measurable outcomes, smart housing enhances accessibility for vulnerable groups, reduces the time required for routine household tasks through automation, and improves safety via integrated monitoring and emergency response systems. Key enabling technologies include the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, smart energy management systems, renewable energy integration, and innovative building materials that collectively redefine housing in the twenty-first century. Nevertheless, substantial barriers remain. High upfront costs and extended payback periods discourage investment, especially in developing economies. Technical barriers include inadequate broadband infrastructure, limited device interoperability, and insufficient technical support, while cybersecurity and privacy concerns foster hesitation among users. Moreover, resistance among older generations, digital literacy gaps, and legal ambiguities regarding data ownership and accountability further complicate adoption. The study underscores that overcoming these challenges requires a multidimensional, collaborative approach. Governments should create enabling frameworks through supportive legislation, targeted subsidies, tax incentives, and the establishment of national standards. The private sector must innovate toward cost reduction and interoperability, while academic institutions play a critical role in applied research, professional training, and the design of culturally adapted solutions. Equally important are awareness campaigns and digital literacy initiatives that build trust, foster acceptance, and encourage adoption. In conclusion, smart housing should be recognized not as an optional luxury but as a strategic necessity to address environmental, economic, and social challenges. For countries such as Iran, advancing smart housing represents both a pathway to sustainable urban development and an opportunity to position themselves among frontrunners of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the housing sector

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