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Smart cities advance in Argentina and Uruguay: technology, housing, and sustainability - Infobae
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www.infobae.com
March 22, 2025
Smart cities are gaining ground. What are their advantages, prices, infrastructure advances, and the challenges of integrating innovation with quality of life?
By José Luis Cieri
The initiatives underway in Argentina and the region reflect progress in building a more connected, sustainable, and efficient urban model (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Smart cities have ceased to be a futuristic concept and have become a reality in various parts of the world. These urban developments combine advanced technology, efficient planning, and environmental sustainability to improve the quality of life for their inhabitants.
Beyond digitalization, a smart city balances economic growth, social well-being, and sustainability. Argentina faces challenges along this path, such as investment in technology and public-private collaboration. Although it does not have a smart city planned from scratch, several urban districts have incorporated innovations to improve the quality of life.
According to the Smart City Index , published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, and Salta are among the best-positioned Argentine cities. These cities have implemented digital tools to optimize mobility, improve security, and manage resources more efficiently. However, a lack of long-term planning and the need for financing remain barriers to sustained regional growth.
Globally, cities such as Singapore (which separated from Malaysia in 1965, becoming an independent country), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Barcelona (Spain) stand out for their implementation of technological solutions that optimize mobility, energy consumption, and waste management.
In Latin America, Uruguay is leading this process with the development of +Colonia, a project that seeks to establish itself as the continent's first planned smart city.
In this context, the main challenge lies in designing cities that are not only efficient but also prioritize the well-being of their inhabitants. Francisco Tezanos Pinto , Communications Director at +Colonia, explained that the true concept of a smart city is not limited to the incorporation of technology, but must focus on people.
The trend has evolved beyond automation: new urban models integrate nature and promote proximity between services and homes (Photo courtesy of +Colonia)
"The urban planning of the future cannot be based solely on digital connectivity. The key is to combine innovation with a more humane way of life, where nature and proximity to services are fundamental," he noted.
The cities of the future must create a balanced environment, where technological innovation integrates with nature. Green spaces, access to clean water, and planning that reduces car dependence are some of the essential elements.
Technology plays a key role in these cities and in the way we live today (Illustrative Image Infobae)
One of the project's pillars is proximity: ensuring that residents can access their daily needs within a 15-minute radius.
This first neighborhood includes two apartment towers and five residential villas, with an investment budget of USD 80 million. "We are working hard with the Uruguayan government and international entities to ensure the city develops with the highest sustainability standards," said Tezanos Pinto.
Construction is in full swing near the city of Colonia del Sacramento. The first units are expected to be ready for occupancy between late 2026 and early 2027.
A recent event was the selection of the Uruguayan National Agency for Research and Innovation, which allocated USD 100,000 for sustainable urban planning studies in collaboration with the German Fraunhofer Institute.
For Mike Letzgus , project manager and deputy director of Urban Economics Innovation at the German institute, "technology is not the end, but the means." Smart cities operate on real-time data, artificial intelligence, interconnected sensors, 5G networks, energy efficiency, and buildings that achieve high sustainability standards. But their true value emerges when these tools are integrated with human objectives: health, inclusion, mobility, and community.
One of the most notable innovations is architecture designed for proximity, where essential services are located no more than a 15-minute walk or bike ride away. This model, which redefines the use of urban space, is combined with circular strategies for water, energy, and waste.
Letzgus highlighted the approach of cities like Malmö (Sweden), which generates energy from recycled biogas, or Estonia, where citizens complete most administrative procedures online. In London, open access to real-time data enables more efficient decisions in both the public and private sectors.
Smart buildings, with lower energy consumption and water reuse systems, can offset their value with operational efficiency. Furthermore, according to Letzgus, these cities tend to attract diverse profiles, linked to technology, entrepreneurship, or the diplomatic sector. The challenge, he warns, is to ensure that these advances are accessible and inclusive, so that urban transformation does not deepen social gaps, but rather allows for equitable development connected to the natural environment.
In terms of square meter value , available units are sold between USD 2,000 and USD 3,000, a competitive price compared to Montevideo, Punta del Este, or Buenos Aires. A two-bedroom apartment costs around USD 160,000, while a three-bedroom apartment can reach USD 200,000.
The profile of buyers, currently in the dark, is diverse, including investors, technology professionals, and families seeking a better quality of life.
The development of +Colonia will have a significant impact on the region. The city is expected to double the current population of Colonia del Sacramento over the next 15 to 20 years . Furthermore, its consolidation as an innovation hub will attract technology companies and entrepreneurs and contribute to Uruguay's knowledge economy.
Various factors drove Colonia's growth, such as the modernization of the port, the construction of the Zona Franca del Plata, and the arrival of new educational institutions.
The project's urban design prioritizes integration with the natural environment, ensuring that more than 50% of the land is designated for green and recreational spaces. With seven kilometers of coastline and white sand beaches, the city will offer an ideal environment for the development of a balanced and sustainable community.
Project layout near white beaches and the Río de la Plata
In terms of energy, it is committed to self-sufficiency through renewable sources. The state-owned company UTE has committed to making it the city with the largest supply of clean energy in the region, ensuring that urban infrastructure is developed with minimal environmental impact.
“Regarding the prices, the units within the Innovation Park are between 20% and 25% (currently in this part of the northern Buenos Aires neighborhood, according to Zonaprop, the price per square meter in the pit ranges between USD 3,700) above the prices in other adjacent areas,” said Mariano Gubitosi , commercial manager of Grupo Portland.
Excavation is underway just steps from River Plate. The Innovation Park also proposes a new way of conceiving housing within a smart city.
This project seeks to create an ecosystem that fosters connections between students, entrepreneurs, and technology companies. It will feature spaces such as the 54 Lab, dedicated to the creation of startups, private offices, and residential developments such as Palmera Nova and E6.
Gubitosi added: "The impact on quality of life will be reflected in the opportunity to live in an environment that integrates education, work, and housing, designed specifically for a young audience."
The proposals seek to accompany urban transformation with innovative architecture and services designed for a modern, connected lifestyle (Photo courtesy of Grupo Portland)
The Portland development began construction in October 2024 and E6 in February 2025.
Daniel Ibañez , advisor and coordinator of the Artificial Intelligence Roundtable at the Córdoba Economic Development Agency (ADEC), highlighted that the city has made significant progress in data management, security, and access to healthcare. "The impact is tangible: less bureaucracy, improved mobility, and more efficient access to essential services," he emphasized.
Ibañez explained: “Córdoba not only adopts technology, but also develops and exports it, strengthening its position as a technological hub in Argentina and the region.”
Initiatives such as the AI Node and the training of more than 900 data scientists are driving this transformation.
Smart cities are evolving toward more efficient and sustainable environments, where technology improves mobility and resource consumption. Here, Alto Paz, the tallest residential building in the General Paz neighborhood of Córdoba, is a landmark.
In real estate terms, a smart home there can cost between 15% and 30% more than a traditional home downtown. While a standard property ranges from $100,000 to $200,000, a smart home with home automation, advanced security, and energy efficiency can reach between $120,000 and $260,000.
"The difference in investment is offset by lower operating costs, as the technology allows for savings of up to 30% in electricity and utilities," said Ibañez.
Daniel Ibañez added: “A clear example of this is Merlín, our AI solution that is changing the patient experience in 45 hospitals in Argentina and Spain.”
The cities of the future must integrate human well-being into their planning. It is estimated that by 2050, 70% of the world's population will live in urban environments, making the development of sustainable and resilient models essential.
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Source:
Las ciudades inteligentes avanzan en Argentina y Uruguay: tecnología, vivienda y sostenibilidad
Las llamadas “smart cities” ganan terreno. Cuáles son sus ventajas, precios, avances en infraestructura y los desafíos de integrar la innovación con calidad de vida
www.infobae.com
March 22, 2025
Smart cities are gaining ground. What are their advantages, prices, infrastructure advances, and the challenges of integrating innovation with quality of life?
By José Luis Cieri
The initiatives underway in Argentina and the region reflect progress in building a more connected, sustainable, and efficient urban model (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Smart cities have ceased to be a futuristic concept and have become a reality in various parts of the world. These urban developments combine advanced technology, efficient planning, and environmental sustainability to improve the quality of life for their inhabitants.
Beyond digitalization, a smart city balances economic growth, social well-being, and sustainability. Argentina faces challenges along this path, such as investment in technology and public-private collaboration. Although it does not have a smart city planned from scratch, several urban districts have incorporated innovations to improve the quality of life.
According to the Smart City Index , published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, and Salta are among the best-positioned Argentine cities. These cities have implemented digital tools to optimize mobility, improve security, and manage resources more efficiently. However, a lack of long-term planning and the need for financing remain barriers to sustained regional growth.
Globally, cities such as Singapore (which separated from Malaysia in 1965, becoming an independent country), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Barcelona (Spain) stand out for their implementation of technological solutions that optimize mobility, energy consumption, and waste management.
In Latin America, Uruguay is leading this process with the development of +Colonia, a project that seeks to establish itself as the continent's first planned smart city.
In this context, the main challenge lies in designing cities that are not only efficient but also prioritize the well-being of their inhabitants. Francisco Tezanos Pinto , Communications Director at +Colonia, explained that the true concept of a smart city is not limited to the incorporation of technology, but must focus on people.
The trend has evolved beyond automation: new urban models integrate nature and promote proximity between services and homes (Photo courtesy of +Colonia)
"The urban planning of the future cannot be based solely on digital connectivity. The key is to combine innovation with a more humane way of life, where nature and proximity to services are fundamental," he noted.
A new urban paradigm
The traditional smart city model prioritized operational efficiency, focusing on solving traffic, energy, and waste collection problems. Tezanos Pinto argued: “To build a truly smart city, the strategy must start with people, not with technology.”The cities of the future must create a balanced environment, where technological innovation integrates with nature. Green spaces, access to clean water, and planning that reduces car dependence are some of the essential elements.
Technology plays a key role in these cities and in the way we live today (Illustrative Image Infobae)
One of the project's pillars is proximity: ensuring that residents can access their daily needs within a 15-minute radius.
First steps
Development began over a year ago with the construction of roads, water, and electricity networks. Currently, more than 2 kilometers of roads have been laid, and the overall infrastructure is expected to be completed in the next 18 months. In parallel, work is progressing on the Genesis District, the first residential area that will house between 700 and 1,000 people.This first neighborhood includes two apartment towers and five residential villas, with an investment budget of USD 80 million. "We are working hard with the Uruguayan government and international entities to ensure the city develops with the highest sustainability standards," said Tezanos Pinto.
Construction is in full swing near the city of Colonia del Sacramento. The first units are expected to be ready for occupancy between late 2026 and early 2027.
A recent event was the selection of the Uruguayan National Agency for Research and Innovation, which allocated USD 100,000 for sustainable urban planning studies in collaboration with the German Fraunhofer Institute.
For Mike Letzgus , project manager and deputy director of Urban Economics Innovation at the German institute, "technology is not the end, but the means." Smart cities operate on real-time data, artificial intelligence, interconnected sensors, 5G networks, energy efficiency, and buildings that achieve high sustainability standards. But their true value emerges when these tools are integrated with human objectives: health, inclusion, mobility, and community.
One of the most notable innovations is architecture designed for proximity, where essential services are located no more than a 15-minute walk or bike ride away. This model, which redefines the use of urban space, is combined with circular strategies for water, energy, and waste.
Letzgus highlighted the approach of cities like Malmö (Sweden), which generates energy from recycled biogas, or Estonia, where citizens complete most administrative procedures online. In London, open access to real-time data enables more efficient decisions in both the public and private sectors.
Smart buildings, with lower energy consumption and water reuse systems, can offset their value with operational efficiency. Furthermore, according to Letzgus, these cities tend to attract diverse profiles, linked to technology, entrepreneurship, or the diplomatic sector. The challenge, he warns, is to ensure that these advances are accessible and inclusive, so that urban transformation does not deepen social gaps, but rather allows for equitable development connected to the natural environment.
Accessibility
Sales prices range from USD 100,000 to USD 120,000, with options starting at USD 90,000. Additionally, affordable mortgage lines of credit are available, even for non-residents, with financing up to 70% of the unit's value and repayment terms of over 20 years.In terms of square meter value , available units are sold between USD 2,000 and USD 3,000, a competitive price compared to Montevideo, Punta del Este, or Buenos Aires. A two-bedroom apartment costs around USD 160,000, while a three-bedroom apartment can reach USD 200,000.
The profile of buyers, currently in the dark, is diverse, including investors, technology professionals, and families seeking a better quality of life.
The development of +Colonia will have a significant impact on the region. The city is expected to double the current population of Colonia del Sacramento over the next 15 to 20 years . Furthermore, its consolidation as an innovation hub will attract technology companies and entrepreneurs and contribute to Uruguay's knowledge economy.
Various factors drove Colonia's growth, such as the modernization of the port, the construction of the Zona Franca del Plata, and the arrival of new educational institutions.
The project's urban design prioritizes integration with the natural environment, ensuring that more than 50% of the land is designated for green and recreational spaces. With seven kilometers of coastline and white sand beaches, the city will offer an ideal environment for the development of a balanced and sustainable community.
Project layout near white beaches and the Río de la Plata
In terms of energy, it is committed to self-sufficiency through renewable sources. The state-owned company UTE has committed to making it the city with the largest supply of clean energy in the region, ensuring that urban infrastructure is developed with minimal environmental impact.
Urban developments in the country
Within Buenos Aires, a smart city will be the Innovation Park , across from River Plate. This urban development focuses on innovation and technology, combining educational institutions, coworking spaces, and residential homes.“Regarding the prices, the units within the Innovation Park are between 20% and 25% (currently in this part of the northern Buenos Aires neighborhood, according to Zonaprop, the price per square meter in the pit ranges between USD 3,700) above the prices in other adjacent areas,” said Mariano Gubitosi , commercial manager of Grupo Portland.
Excavation is underway just steps from River Plate. The Innovation Park also proposes a new way of conceiving housing within a smart city.
This project seeks to create an ecosystem that fosters connections between students, entrepreneurs, and technology companies. It will feature spaces such as the 54 Lab, dedicated to the creation of startups, private offices, and residential developments such as Palmera Nova and E6.
Gubitosi added: "The impact on quality of life will be reflected in the opportunity to live in an environment that integrates education, work, and housing, designed specifically for a young audience."
The proposals seek to accompany urban transformation with innovative architecture and services designed for a modern, connected lifestyle (Photo courtesy of Grupo Portland)
The Portland development began construction in October 2024 and E6 in February 2025.
In the Docta
Córdoba is positioning itself as a smart city thanks to its technological infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. The digitalization of public services, the development of digital government, and smart mobility have improved the quality of life of its residents.Daniel Ibañez , advisor and coordinator of the Artificial Intelligence Roundtable at the Córdoba Economic Development Agency (ADEC), highlighted that the city has made significant progress in data management, security, and access to healthcare. "The impact is tangible: less bureaucracy, improved mobility, and more efficient access to essential services," he emphasized.
Ibañez explained: “Córdoba not only adopts technology, but also develops and exports it, strengthening its position as a technological hub in Argentina and the region.”
Initiatives such as the AI Node and the training of more than 900 data scientists are driving this transformation.
Smart cities are evolving toward more efficient and sustainable environments, where technology improves mobility and resource consumption. Here, Alto Paz, the tallest residential building in the General Paz neighborhood of Córdoba, is a landmark.
In real estate terms, a smart home there can cost between 15% and 30% more than a traditional home downtown. While a standard property ranges from $100,000 to $200,000, a smart home with home automation, advanced security, and energy efficiency can reach between $120,000 and $260,000.
"The difference in investment is offset by lower operating costs, as the technology allows for savings of up to 30% in electricity and utilities," said Ibañez.
Daniel Ibañez added: “A clear example of this is Merlín, our AI solution that is changing the patient experience in 45 hospitals in Argentina and Spain.”
The cities of the future must integrate human well-being into their planning. It is estimated that by 2050, 70% of the world's population will live in urban environments, making the development of sustainable and resilient models essential.
www.buysellba.com
