A B S T R A C T
The smart city vision is a contemporary approach to urban development that leverages advanced technologies to improve infrastructure and enhance quality of life. Unlike traditional models focusing exclusively on technology, smart cities integrate social and environmental considerations, creating a more balanced and sustainable urban environment. Urban resilience is a key factor in this framework, fostering innovation, adaptability, and robustness in response to evolving challenges. This study investigates how to design resilient cities within the smart city paradigm, focusing on Sadra New Town. The research explores six key dimensions: smart governance, smart economy, smart people, smart environment, smart living, and smart transportation. It draws on international frameworks and theoretical studies and uses a descriptive-analytical approach that includes field observations and semi-structured interviews to assess these aspects in Sadra New Town. Applying the ASCIMER method for project evaluation, the study develops implementation strategies and identifies specific challenges and opportunities through a SWOT analysis. The feasibility assessment reveals that the smart city project in Sadra New Town has a 75% likelihood of success. The study concludes with strategic recommendations to guide the development of a resilient and thriving smart city
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The smart city concept revolutionizes urban development by leveraging advanced technologies to optimize infrastructure and improve the quality of life for urban residents. This paradigm extends beyond mere technological integration; it encompasses social and environmental dimensions, fostering a more sustainable and resilient urban ecosystem. Urban resilience plays a central role, defined by the capacity to innovate, adapt, and strengthen structural robustness in response to evolving urban challenges. This study critically investigates the intersection of resilience and smart city frameworks, aiming to identify essential factors and components for designing resilient, technology-driven cities.
Through the explicit application of smart technologies, this research explores how urban design can effectively address contemporary needs, including digital connectivity, ecological sustainability, and the overall well-being of residents. Smart cities present solutions to today’s pressing urban challenges by balancing technological innovation with sustainable urban growth. The study focuses on Sadra New Town as a case study, seeking to operationalize these principles in practice. It poses a pivotal question:
-What factors determine resilience within the smart city framework, and how can Sadra New Town implement these principles through targeted policy action?
 
Methodology
This study employs a comprehensive methodology that blends theoretical investigation with empirical analysis. The theoretical framework delves into urban resilience and six smart city dimensions: smart governance, smart economy, smart people, smart environment, smart living, and smart transportation. Each dimension contributes uniquely to the overall efficacy of smart city initiatives. This research develops a conceptual model concentrating specifically on smart transportation, environment, and living, applying these concepts to the context of Sadra New Town.
The study combines field observations, semi-structured interviews with residents and urban experts, and document analysis to gather empirical data. This diverse data collection approach enriches understanding the community’s needs and aspirations. The ASCIMER (Assessing Smart City Initiatives for the Mediterranean Region) method is the primary framework for evaluating Sadra’s potential as a smart city. This structured method identifies challenges and opportunities inherent in smart city project evaluations. The study synthesizes findings into a feasibility matrix, providing an integrated analysis of Sadra’s current status against established smart city criteria.
 
Results and discussion
The study’s findings, drawn from both the conceptual model and empirical investigations, yield significant insights into Sadra New Town’s trajectory as a resilient smart city. The analysis highlights the need to enhance neighborhood connectivity through innovative smart transportation solutions. Improved connectivity facilitates mobility and fosters social interaction and community cohesion. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly urban planning to cultivate resilient and intelligent living environments. Sustainable practices in urban design can mitigate environmental impacts while promoting a higher quality of life.
A SWOT analysis reveals key opportunities and constraints across smart people, smart economy, and smart governance. Engaging with Sadra’s urban stakeholders, residents, planners, and municipal authorities provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges ahead. This stakeholder engagement fosters a participatory approach essential for successful urban development. A thorough evaluation of internal and external factors affecting Sadra’s smart city development assigns rankings based on qualitative and quantitative assessments. This multi-dimensional analysis underscores the complexities of implementing smart city policies within a rapidly urbanizing context like Sadra.
The study also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of innovation among residents and local institutions. By investing in education and training, Sadra can empower its citizens to participate actively in developing and managing smart city initiatives. The integration of smart technologies must be accompanied by efforts to enhance digital literacy, ensuring that all residents benefit from technological advancements.
 
Conclusion
Based on the identified criteria, the feasibility matrix indicates that Sadra New Town’s smart city project holds a 75% likelihood of successful implementation. However, the study identifies significant challenges related to governance, infrastructural integration, and social inclusivity. The research proposes several strategic recommendations:

Designing smart, ecologically integrated urban spaces;
Promoting neighborhood cohesion through pedestrian-focused transportation networks;
Adopting green building standards to navigate these challenges.

These recommendations address the need for a holistic urban planning approach incorporating technological, environmental, and social dimensions.
Additionally, the study emphasizes the adaptive reuse of existing structures as a strategy for preserving urban heritage while aligning with smart city objectives. This approach not only honors the historical context of the urban environment but also minimizes the ecological footprint associated with new constructions.
Grounded in theoretical analysis and fieldwork, these recommendations contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable urbanization. By offering a replicable model, this study provides a roadmap for developing resilient, technologically advanced cities. While Sadra New Town exhibits strong potential, its success will hinge on continuous policy innovation, stakeholder collaboration, and long-term planning that prioritizes environmental and social sustainability. The interplay of resilience and smart technologies can transform Sadra into a leading example of how modern urban environments can adapt to and thrive in the face of contemporary challenges.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
 We are grateful to all the scientific consultants