I think one of the problems you face a number of evaluation issues. First is that no one can agree on what exactly 'smart' means.  Second, you need to evaluate a range of outcomes (see attached for prototype which needs tweaking to adapt it as an urban design/property evaluation tool).  Finally, it is not only the outcomes (and their distributional impact) but also the governance surrounding planning process (rule of law, consultation, respect for indigenous land rights, transparency in contracting, independent external and internal scrutiny, qualifications and representative adequacy of of board) etc.

You had to think in how the spatial structure modify the outcome of economic and social viriables like: how much reduce the time the people need to work, or incress the accesability of the district

Hi Farooq,

as underlined by Simon, despite the frequency of city smartness labelling, a definition of what this means is missing. Anyway you may refer to initiative addressing one or more of the following six smart characteristics: Governance, People, Living, Mobility, Economy and Environment. In this case you need indicators to measure smartness. But you can find thousands indicators. I think you must combine qualitative and quantitative indicators using only appropriate ones. This is fundamental, becasuse you may reduce cost and time and hardware and software for manage data set.

You can find possible indicators reading ISO (2014) Sustainable development in communities: City indicators for service delivery and quality of life, ISO 37120 briefing note: the first ISO International Standard on city indicators, available at: http://www.iso.org/iso/37120_briefing_note.pdf

Best

Antonio

Farooq Nadeem Antonio Caperna Alejandro Garcia Simon Huston

Assessing the smartness of an urban district detailed plan involves considering a range of quantitative and qualitative indicators. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Density and Land Use: Measure the density of development and the mix of land uses within the district. Smart growth principles often advocate for compact, mixed-use development that promotes walkability and reduces sprawl.

2. Transportation Infrastructure: Evaluate the accessibility and efficiency of transportation options, including public transit, pedestrian infrastructure, and bike lanes. Smart plans prioritize sustainable transportation modes to reduce congestion and emissions.

3. Green Space and Environmental Quality: Assess the availability and quality of parks, green spaces, and environmental amenities. Smart growth emphasizes preserving natural areas, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting sustainable practices like green building and stormwater management.

4. Affordability and Housing Diversity: Analyze the affordability of housing options and the diversity of housing types within the district. Smart plans aim to provide housing opportunities for people of diverse incomes and backgrounds, fostering inclusive communities.

5. Community Engagement and Social Equity: Consider the level of community involvement in the planning process and the plan's impact on social equity. Smart growth principles prioritize inclusive decision-making and equitable access to resources and opportunities.

6. Economic Development and Job Opportunities: Evaluate the plan's support for local businesses, job creation, and economic vitality. Smart growth strategies aim to strengthen the local economy while minimizing negative impacts on existing communities.

7. Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change: Assess the plan's resilience to climate change impacts such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and heatwaves. Smart plans incorporate strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation, such as green infrastructure and energy-efficient design.

8. Technology and Innovation: Consider how the plan leverages technology and innovation to improve efficiency, connectivity, and quality of life. Smart districts may integrate smart city technologies like digital infrastructure, IoT sensors, and data analytics to enhance service delivery and resource management.

9. Health and Well-being: Evaluate the plan's impact on public health outcomes, including access to healthcare services, healthy food options, and opportunities for physical activity. Smart growth principles promote environments that support active lifestyles and overall well-being.

10. Governance and Implementation: Examine the effectiveness of governance structures and mechanisms for plan implementation, monitoring, and adaptation over time. Smart plans require strong leadership, coordination among stakeholders, and ongoing evaluation to achieve their objectives.

By considering these indicators, you can assess the smartness of the detailed plan for the ninth district of Herat, Afghanistan, from a comprehensive perspective aligned with smart growth principles.