APPLICATION OF SMART FM TECHNOLOGY IN PLACEMAKING: A STUDY IN CROWD MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The rapid urbanization and population growth in cities pose challenges in managing public spaces, particularly crowd monitoring and control. Traditional crowd management methods, while widely used, have limitations, particularly in responding swiftly to emergencies.

This study seeks to address these limitations by investigating the potential of Smart Facilities Management (Smart FM) technology in placemaking, with a focus on crowd management. It assesses Smart FM's effectiveness in enhancing public safety, optimizing crowd flow, and utilizing space efficiently. Employing a mixed-method approach, including expert interviews and surveys, the study finds that integrating Smart FM into placemaking provides significant advantages in crowd monitoring, offering realtime insights into crowd dynamics and congestion areas.

The study also explores technology drawbacks and important considerations for stakeholders. Effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders emerge as crucial factors, alongside governance structures and data privacy regulations to address personal data concerns in crowd monitoring.

In conclusion, this study aims to guide urban planners and facility managers in overcoming potential challenges in implementing Smart FM, enhancing public safety, and creating safer public spaces.