The different meaning of “smart city” between government agencies and city dwellers inChiang Mai Municipality

Abstract

The article focuses on the smart city development policies implemented by the Chiang Mai City Municipality, specifically in line with the Chiang Mai Development Plan from 2018 to 2022, resulting in various projects for city dwellers. These projects play an important role in transforming the city. The objectives of the article are as follows (1) to explore the different perspectives and interpretations of the concept of a “smart city”: The article aims to investigate the varying viewpoints and meanings attributed to the term “smart city” by government agencies and city dwellers. The focus is on the Nimmanhaemin area, which is part of the Smart Nimman project initiated by the Chiang Mai City Municipality. By examining this project, the article aims to understand how different stakeholders perceive and understand the concept of a Smart City. (2) to analyze the utilization of space in the Smart Nimman project in response to business, work, and education; and (3) to propose smart city policy development based on the analysis. The research combines information obtained from government policies with interviews from officials in charge of planning and strategy of the Smart Nimman project, as well as information gathered from an experimental design competition for architectural students in the theme of “Chiang Mai How Smart We Are” in 2021. Students interpreted from the city dweller’s position who lived and had direct experience with urban areas. Students’ works tended to reflect how to manage the spaces to accommodate a variety of activities and at the same time encourage reappropriating existing spaces creatively. Their works emphasized the opportunity to connect people more than systematic management, that is the significant difference from the point of view of government agencies. The three key issues identified in the article for the development of smart city development policies are as follows: (1) reviewing of the smart city development plan and learning from the different vision by examining the winning student’s work which can serve as a reflection of the city dwellers. (2) involving city dwellers with diverse needs in the development process by highlighting the significance of citizen participation in the design and development of the smart city; and (3) collaborating with civil societies to co-design the smart city by suggesting that the collaboration with organizations and groups representing various interests and causes can lead to a more holistic and inclusive smart city design. This collaboration should address areas such as
the logistics system, community economy, and the lifestyles of students.