Public buy-in and engagement are crucial for embedding culture, and therefore become a natural source of stability and sustainability. This strategy not only meets the needs of vulnerable populations but serves the interests of developers by establishing a unique context not easily replicated elsewhere. In commercial terms, authenticity is a competitive advantage, providing experiences for citizens and visitors that are absent in universal, commodity-stock developments.
http://globalurbanist.com/2015/03/24/smart-cities-cultural-authenticity
“Smart cities and the plight of global authenticity.” The Global Urbanist, 24 Mar 2015.
NUS news page:
http://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/news/smart-cities-and-the-plight-of-cultural-authenticity/
Mention of article on Planetizen: