Citizen opinions on the organization of a smart city for housing, urban structures, and quality of life: The case of Kos Island, Greece

Abstract

Abstract The growing urban population worldwide and the consequent need to improve urban dwellers’ living conditions have increased the research interest in issues related to urban development and their ability to manage emerging challenges. In this context, it is observed that the concept of the smart city includes perspectives that may help modern cities face their problems, especially as cities are being shaped and intensified, for example, due to the current situation of the COVID pandemic crisis. This paper attempts to highlight the characteristics of the smart city with an emphasis on the following triptych: housing, urban environment structures, and quality of life. To achieve its goal, the paper, through pilot research in a representative small-sized Greek city (study area, island of Kos), evaluates whether the smart city characteristics have been met successfully and then it investigates the perceptions of Kos inhabitants regarding the quality-of-life benefits resulting from the model of a smart city. To achieve this, it collects quantitative data through questionnaires in the study area. The results of the analysis can be used as a basis to help a city to become a smart city.