2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The rapid development in technologies for smart city and autonomous vehicle (AV) is reshaping urban environments and revolutionizing industries exponentially in fields of engineering, construction and urban architecture. This research investigates the integration of these innovative technologies into CM, CE and Architectural education programs, equipping future professionals to effectively navigate and contribute to the changing urban landscape. As urban areas become smarter and more interconnected, it is crucial for educational curricula in these fields to evolve, equipping future professionals with the skills and knowledge required to navigate this transformation.

The study underlines the importance of teaching students the essential principles of smart cities, focusing on sustainability, the Internet of Things (IoT), data-driven urban planning, and smart infrastructure. By merging theoretical knowledge with practical applications, the program shall highlight how technology and data can improve urban efficiency and livability. Key topics include renewable energy integration, resource optimization, and improving residents' quality of life. Including Virtual and Augmented Reality to enable the students to explore the interaction between smart infrastructure, autonomous vehicles to reshape urban mobility. In the study, case studies are presented to provide data for implementations.

Additionally, the study emphasizes the need to incorporate autonomous vehicle technology into the curriculum, investigating its transformative effects on urban planning, incorporating road design, traffic management, parking, and public transit. With the created teaching modules, students can examine how AVs influence city layouts, lighten congestion, enhance safety, and encourage sustainable transportation. Broader societal and environmental impacts of AVs, such as emissions reduction and shifts in commuting patterns, could also be integrated with the program. Also, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital technologies can be used as teaching tools to simulate smart city infrastructure, concentrating on combining AVs into city plans, energy grids, and traffic systems.

Implementing such changes to the existing infrastructure will also require the introduction of new policies and legislation. As smart cities and AVs redefine urban spaces, governments and regulatory bodies must establish frameworks supporting these technologies' integration, addressing issues related to safety, data privacy, environmental impact, and equitable access. This research assesses current educational practices through case studies and suggests strategies for enhancing curricula.

The aim is to ensure that future construction engineers, managers, and architects are well-prepared to lead in the development of smart cities, utilizing AVs to improve urban safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Ultimately, this research highlights the necessity of integrating emerging technologies into the learning profile, preparing students to shape the future of smart urban development.