Newly leaked concept images have revealed the first real glimpse into Alphabet’s plans for an Orwellian smart city on the Toronto waterfront.
Sidewalk Labs, an offshoot of Google’s parent company, reached an agreement with the city back in 2017 to develop a futuristic community known as Quayside, complete with robotic waste-sorting systems, sensor-lined pavement, digital infrastructure, and wireless 5G connectivity all throughout.
The plans have sparked both concerns and curiosity from the public, fueled further by a lack of information on how it will ultimately come to fruition, aside from a series of simple sketches.
The new images published by Sidewalk Labs this month and leaked by Toronto Star now reveal stunning plans for a dozen timber towers and modular pavement in the development, allowing it to evolve to the city’s changing needs.
Sidewalk Labs also detailed a system of underground tunnels where robots can transport waste and freight out of the public's sight.
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Sidewalk Labs, an offshoot of Google’s parent company, reached an agreement with the city back in 2017 to develop a futuristic community known as Quayside, complete with robotic waste-sorting systems, sensor-lined pavement, digital infrastructure, and wireless 5G connectivity all throughout. One of the concept images is shown above
Alphabet-owned Sidewalk Labs teamed up with Toronto Waterfront to develop a small, smart city called Quayside.
Among its many advanced features, it's planned to include:
'Ubiquitous connectivity' that will bring 100% wifi and 5G coverage Digital infrastructure to enable open access to the community Advanced solar power grid Smart waste management Hexagonal modular pavement panels Smart water system with sensors for 'active management' Thermal grid that uses clean energy sources, including waste heat and geothermalSidewalk Labs made the plans public in mid-February after they were leaked months ahead of schedule by the Canadian publication, according to Fast Company.
It comes just over a year-and-a-half after Google parent Alphabet announced its plans to invest $50 million (£36 million) in the initial planning and testing phase of the project.
The firm plans to erect mid-rise apartments, offices, shops, and a school on a 12-acre site along the eastern waterfront in a deal with Waterfront Toronto.
Eventually, they hope this will blossom to cover hundreds of acres.
Quayside’s timber buildings will be ‘cradle to cradle certified, creating a more sustainable system,’ the plan says.
The smart city will also be home to an advanced power grid made up of solar panels and battery storage, a smart waste management system, and a thermal grid that relies on waste heat and geothermal energy.
‘Universal fiber, power and mounts’ will be built directly into the infrastructure, and the entirety of Quayside will feature ‘100% coverage of wifi and 5G networks for all residents, businesses and public spaces.’
And, the streets will be designed without curbs to boost mobility as a shift toward self-driving vehicles becomes feasible.
The firm plans to erect mid-rise apartments, offices, shops, and a school on a 12-acre site along the eastern waterfront in a deal with Waterfront Toronto. Eventually,
