17.01.2026

Kigali and the data paradox – smart city without surveillance?

Building design

Aerial view of a sustainable Swiss city with a river, taken by Carrie Borden.

How can a city become a smart city without mutating into a surveillance machine? Kigali dares to do the unthinkable: digitally networked, data-supported and efficient – but (almost) without total control. What is behind the data paradox in Africa’s innovation lab? And what can cities in German-speaking countries learn when it comes to urban digitalization that does not sacrifice privacy and participation?

Introduction to the data paradox: Why Kigali is breaking new ground as a smart city
Kigali’s urban transformation: digital infrastructure without ubiquitous surveillance
Use of technology: how data is collected, used and anonymized
Governance and social framework conditions: Transparency, control and participation
Comparison with European and Asian smart cities
Risks, challenges and unexpected potential of the Kigali approach
Lessons for urban planners and decision-makers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Outlook for the future: Data sovereignty, resilient urban development and the role of citizens

The data paradox of Kigali: digital transformation without surveillance?

Imagine a city in which sensor technology, data analysis and digital control are not synonymous with seamless surveillance of the population. Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has developed into one of the fastest growing smart cities in Africa in recent years. However, unlike in many Asian or European showcase cities, the large-scale use of facial recognition, movement profiles and permanent camera systems remains conspicuously restrained. Instead, Kigali relies on a data-driven approach that makes urban operations more efficient and sustainable – without monitoring citizens at every turn.

This so-called data paradox is by no means an accidental whim of the local administration. Rather, it is a deliberate strategy that combines urban modernization with social acceptance and international prestige. While cities such as Shenzhen or Dubai are competing for the densest sensor network and the most comprehensive surveillance, Kigali is seeking a middle way: as much data collection as necessary, as little surveillance as possible. The goal is a city that works – while respecting the privacy of its residents.

Of course, Kigali is not a surveillance-free zone. Data is also collected here, for example for traffic control, waste disposal and energy supply. However, the way in which this data is collected, processed and used differs fundamentally from the practices of many international smart cities. It is not about collecting personal information, but about the anonymous evaluation of movement and usage data that is relevant for urban management.

This model raises a central question: Can urbanization in the digital age really be shaped without the downsides of total surveillance? Kigali shows that it is possible to implement smart solutions without turning urban life into a data mine. However, this requires consistent governance, technological care and constant reflection on the social impact of urban digitalization.

The Kigali data paradox is therefore not just a local peculiarity, but a challenge to the global understanding of the smart city. It challenges planners, architects and decision-makers to think more deeply about the value of data, the role of technology and the relationship between efficiency and freedom. After all, the city of tomorrow is not just a technical project, but above all a political and cultural one.

Digital infrastructure: How Kigali is implementing smart urban development without mass surveillance

Kigali’s path to becoming a smart city did not begin with a master plan from outside, but from an internal necessity. The metropolis was faced with the classic challenges of a growing African city: rapid population growth, limited resources, traffic problems and the need to create liveable, sustainable neighborhoods. Instead of copying Western or Asian surveillance models, Kigali opted for an independent approach – with surprisingly modern results.

Central to this was the development of a digital infrastructure based on modularity and interoperability. This means that although individual systems such as traffic control, energy distribution or waste management generate and exchange data, there is no central monitoring platform that brings together all the information and evaluates it individually. Most of the data is processed at the level of the respective application system and, if at all, is only passed on in aggregated form.

One example: the traffic management system in Kigali uses sensors to measure the flow of traffic at critical junctions. However, instead of identifying each individual vehicle or even the driver, only movement patterns and traffic density are analyzed anonymously. This makes it possible to avoid traffic jams and optimize public transport without creating a digital monitoring file for each user. Smart street lighting works in a similar way, reacting to movement data but not creating personal profiles.

Kigali also relies on digitalization without identification in the area of energy supply. The smart metering system for measuring electricity and water consumption works with anonymized data clusters that are used for grid control and consumption optimization. This allows resources to be used in a targeted manner and consumption peaks to be smoothed out without collecting detailed user profiles. The advantages are obvious: increased efficiency without the price of omnipresent control.

This technological approach has implications for urban development as a whole. Projects are designed in such a way that the focus is on benefits for the general public and not on evaluating individual behavior patterns. The city authorities are aware that an excessive concentration of data and control options can create mistrust and dampen the population’s willingness to innovate. That is why there are clear rules in Kigali as to which data may be used how and for what purpose – and which may not.

Governance, participation and sovereignty: the social side of the data city

Technology alone does not make a sustainable city. At least as crucial is the question of how the data obtained is managed, controlled and, above all, democratically legitimized. In Kigali, governance is therefore at the heart of the smart city concept: who is allowed to see which data? Who controls the algorithms? And how can citizens be involved in shaping the digital city?

A key component of the Kigali strategy is the separation between technical administration and political control. The administration relies on transparent decision-making processes and regular reports on the use and evaluation of urban data. For example, the results of traffic simulations, energy analyses and environmental monitoring are made publicly accessible – but without allowing conclusions to be drawn about individuals. The aim is to make the city’s management transparent, understandable and verifiable.

In addition, there is a broad debate in Kigali about the use of digital technologies in everyday life. District forums, workshops and discussion rounds enable citizens to contribute their own concerns and help shape the direction of the smart city initiatives. This participatory approach is not an end in itself, but a means of strengthening acceptance and trust in the new systems. Because only when people feel that they can participate in the digital transformation will there be a willingness to innovate and social resilience.

Another special feature is the emphasis on data sovereignty. Kigali largely refrains from purchasing proprietary complete solutions from international tech companies and instead relies on modular, open platforms. This not only facilitates the further development and adaptation of the systems, but also prevents dependence on external players. Control over the city’s data thus remains largely in municipal hands – a point from which European cities, with their often fragmented IT landscapes, could learn a thing or two.

Of course, not everything is ideal in Kigali either. There are always discussions about the protection of minorities, the risk of indirect discrimination through algorithms or the role of small providers in the smart city cosmos. But the basic attitude remains the same: Digitalization should serve the general public, not control the individual. It is this social framing that makes Kigali’s data paradox an internationally recognized model.

Kigali in global comparison: what can German, Austrian and Swiss cities learn?

What does this mean for German-speaking countries? Cities such as Berlin, Vienna and Zurich have long been on the way to becoming smart cities. They are investing billions in digital infrastructure, traffic management, climate protection technologies and new participation formats. However, they often face the same dilemma as other metropolitan areas around the world: the balance between efficiency and privacy, between innovation and control is difficult to maintain. All too often, technical possibilities are confused with social acceptance – and there is a great temptation to collect more and more data simply because it is technically possible.

Kigali shows that another way is possible. The most important lessons: First, Smart City is not an end in itself, but must respond to concrete problems and needs of the population. Secondly, the key lies not in maximization, but in the targeted selection and use of data. Thirdly, governance and transparency are just as important as technical excellence. And fourthly, digital participation is not a luxury, but a prerequisite for sustainable innovation.

For planners, architects and administrative professionals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, this raises the question: how can we use the right data for the right purposes without creating a surveillance state? How can we establish open, modular platforms that protect individual freedoms and at the same time deliver urban efficiency? And how can we involve the population in these processes so that digitalization is perceived as an opportunity rather than a threat?

Another key topic is the role of open source and open data standards. Kigali demonstrates that it is possible to create innovative solutions without becoming dependent on individual providers or ending up in opaque black boxes. This requires more coordination, more know-how and often more courage – but the gain in resilience and sovereignty is considerable.

Of course, Kigali cannot and should not be copied one-to-one. The cultural, political and economic conditions are very different. But the data paradox of the Rwandan capital is an impetus to think about alternatives to total surveillance by intelligence services in this country too. It is a plea for an enlightened, critical and at the same time open-minded approach to the digital city of the future.

The path to a sovereign smart city: opportunities, risks and outlook

The example of Kigali proves that urban digitalization and individual freedom do not have to be opposites. Especially at a time when many cities are looking for fast, scalable solutions for transport, energy and sustainability, it is worth looking at models that focus on cooperation and data sovereignty rather than control. The greatest risks lie less in technical details than in undesirable social developments: If citizens lose trust in the city administration because they feel they are being monitored, the entire innovation project will falter.

Conversely, the experiences in Kigali show how great the potential is for an inclusive, resilient and liveable city if the digital transformation is seen as a joint task. The challenges are enormous: clear rules are needed on who is allowed to access which data and what it is used for. Technical standards are needed to ensure data security and transparency. And a culture of open dialog between administration, business and the population is needed.

For cities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the real work begins now. It is not enough to install sensors and set up platforms. The decisive factor is how the collected data flows into planning processes, how it is democratically controlled – and how it ultimately contributes to a better quality of life for everyone. The debate about smart cities must not be reduced to technical issues. It is a question of political culture, social values and urban identity.

The coming years will show whether the data paradox of Kigali will establish itself as a blueprint for a new generation of smart cities. The signs are good: interest in alternative, citizen-friendly models is growing and awareness of data protection and basic digital rights is increasing. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to make urban systems more efficient, climate-friendly and crisis-proof. The answer to these challenges does not lie in reverting to analogue times, but in intelligent, reflective and participatory digitalization.

In the end, the realization remains: the city of the future is not just a playground for techies and data analysts – it is a lively field of experimentation for new forms of coexistence. Anyone who dares to break new ground like Kigali will not only reap innovation, but also trust and cohesion. And that is exactly what the urban society of the 21st century needs more than ever.

Conclusion: Kigali has given new impetus to the international smart city debate. The Rwandan capital proves that digitalization and data protection, innovation and social participation do not have to be opposites. The data paradox stands for an urban future in which technology serves people – and not the other way around. For planners, architects and decision-makers in German-speaking countries, this is an invitation to use the potential of the digital city boldly, creatively and responsibly. Because smart cities are not those that know everything – but those that do the right thing.

03.04.2025

Society

The electric car as a key technology for the mobility transition

Building design

Student house

The electric car plays a decisive role in the mobility transition. Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

The mobility transition is a central component of a sustainable future. The electric car plays a key role in this context. Not only does it offer the opportunity to reduce CO₂ emissions, it can also contribute to increasing efficiency and integrating renewable energies. However, in order to realize its full potential, technical challenges, the expansion of the charging infrastructure and political framework conditions must be further developed.

Electromobility is a decisive factor in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. According to the Federal Environment Agency, transportation is responsible for around 20 percent of total CO₂ emissions in Germany. The switch from conventional combustion engines to emission-free drives is therefore essential.

Electric cars do not emit any direct emissions during operation. If the charging current is generated from renewable sources such as wind or solar energy, the CO₂ balance is reduced even further. In addition, electric motors are more energy-efficient than combustion engines, which contributes to lower overall energy consumption.

Electric car technology has developed rapidly in recent years. Modern lithium-ion batteries offer a significantly higher energy density and enable ranges of up to 600 kilometers per charge. Charging performance has also improved: fast-charging systems make it possible to charge the battery to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.

Further innovations such as solid-state batteries could ensure even shorter charging times and higher energy densities in the future. The efficiency of electric motors and recuperation systems, which convert braking energy into electricity, also increases the overall range and improves the energy balance of vehicles.

The market for electric cars is growing continuously. More than one million electric vehicles were already registered in Germany in 2023. The trend shows that small cars and SUVs with electric drives in particular are gaining in popularity. Manufacturers such as Volkswagen and BMW are increasingly focusing on electromobility and investing billions in the development of new models and battery technologies.

Another important market trend is the expansion of sharing concepts and car-sharing services, which are increasingly relying on electric cars. This development could relieve traffic congestion in cities and reduce individual traffic.

The German government is relying on extensive support measures to accelerate the switch to electromobility. The innovation bonus promotes the purchase of electric cars with grants of up to 6,000 euros. In addition, the expansion of the charging infrastructure and research projects are being intensively promoted.

Another key component of the political measures is the EU-wide CO₂ limit for new cars, which forces car manufacturers to drastically reduce emissions. This is driving innovation in the industry and ensuring a faster transition to emission-free drives.

Despite the positive developments, electric cars face a number of challenges. Battery production in particular is energy-intensive and requires raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, the mining of which is often environmentally harmful and socially problematic. Here, researchers are focusing on recycling technologies and the development of alternative battery concepts that require less critical raw materials.

In addition, the production of batteries is currently associated with high CO₂ emissions. Nevertheless, it has been shown that an electric car can compensate for this “CO₂ rucksack” over the course of its service life. If the vehicle is charged with electricity from renewable sources, the overall balance improves considerably. The ecological footprint of battery production can be further reduced with more efficient production methods and a more circular economy.

Another problem is the expansion of the charging infrastructure. Rural regions in particular often lack sufficient charging stations. Local authorities, energy suppliers and private investors need to work together to ensure a nationwide network.

Electric cars and CO₂ reduction: Electric cars do not produce any direct emissions during operation and, especially when powered by green electricity, make an important contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in the transport sector.
Technological advances: Modern lithium-ion batteries enable longer ranges and shorter charging times. Future innovations such as solid-state batteries promise even more efficient solutions.
Growing market and acceptance: The number of electric cars is rising continuously, supported by increased investment by the automotive industry and the trend towards sharing concepts.
Political support measures: Subsidies such as the innovation premium and stricter EU CO₂ limits are specifically promoting the switch to emission-free mobility.
Challenges and solutions: Energy-intensive battery production and the extraction of raw materials have a negative impact on the environment, but can be improved through recycling and alternative battery concepts. In addition, the expansion of the charging infrastructure requires increased efforts.

The electric car is a central component of the sustainable mobility transition. By using emission-free drives and expanding renewable energies, the transport sector can make a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions. Technological advances, political subsidies and innovative mobility concepts are driving this change forward. Nevertheless, further efforts are needed to overcome challenges such as battery production and infrastructure expansion. Only then can the electric car fully develop its potential as a key technology and make a decisive contribution to a sustainable future.

More about the Move to Improve campaign here.

20.11.2025

Profession

Painting restoration: preserving works of art

Building design

Conservator carefully working on a historical painting. Photo: Paterm, CC BY-SA 3.0, via: Wikimedia Commons

Painting restoration is much more than just repairing cracks or discoloration. It is an exciting process in which art history becomes tangible and old masterpieces are brought back to life. Anyone interested in culture and history will discover not only technical skill in painting restoration, but also fascinating stories behind every brushstroke.

Works of art are witnesses to their era. But light, moisture, dust and improper handling can damage even the most valuable paintings. This is precisely where painting restoration comes in: It protects the work of art from decay and ensures that future generations can experience the beauty and expressiveness of historical paintings. Historically, the restoration of paintings has long been a purely manual process. In the past, paintings were often painted over or heavily altered without regard for the artist’s original intentions. Today, experts attach great importance to a gentle and reversible approach that preserves the original character of the work. Modern restorers therefore work according to scientifically sound methods, carefully document every step of the process and use materials that can be removed later.

A large part of painting restoration is based on chemical and physical know-how. Before the restorer even applies brushes and solvents, he analyzes the surface of the painting using state-of-the-art technology. Microscopic examinations, infrared reflectography or X-rays show which layers are original and which have been added later, and where the painting is damaged. A classic example is the famous work “The Birth of Venus”. During restoration, experts discovered older overpaintings that had been added in later centuries beneath the visible layers of paint. Through targeted measures, they were able to restore the original color palette without completely removing the traces of time. This shows that painting restoration requires not only technical precision, but also a detective’s instinct.

The challenges in painting restoration are manifold: cracks in the canvas, flaking layers of paint, discoloration caused by smoke or aged varnish and mould infestation. Each type of damage requires an individual strategy.

– Cracks and holes are often secured by inserting stabilizing materials from the back.

– Peeling paint is carefully consolidated and retouched, whereby the original color tones are precisely matched.

– Yellowed layers of varnish can be carefully removed and renewed to make the painting shine again.

It is interesting to note that restorers today also use digital technologies to create before-and-after simulations. This allows the client to see how the artwork will look after restoration even before the work begins.

Restoring paintings is a balancing act. On the one hand, the historical value of a painting must be preserved, while on the other, the work should be appealing to today’s viewers. This is why restorers often make decisions in consultation with art historians, natural scientists and curators. An example: when restoring a baroque portrait, experts deliberately decided to only retouch faded details without removing the natural signs of ageing. The result: the painting looks fresh, but remains authentic and preserves its history.

Some restorations have attracted international attention. The work on Leonardo da Vinci’s works or the restoration of the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel show how careful restoration of paintings can make entire epochs shine again. In many cases, the interventions were so precise that even experts can only recognize which areas were added in a modern way after a thorough examination. The restoration of paintings is therefore not only a technical discipline, but also a form of cultural mediation. Visitors to museums can experience art history more directly and discover details that would have been lost long ago without restoration.

If you have an interest in paintings yourself, you can learn to recognize the typical signs of professional painting restoration:

– Uniform color effect: Well-restored surfaces blend harmoniously with the original tones.

– Subtlety of retouching: Close up, the interventions are only minimally visible.

– Preservation of patina: Natural ageing is preserved, which guarantees authenticity.

– A visit to a restoration studio can also offer exciting insights: Many museums and art academies regularly open their workshops to interested parties.

The future of painting conservation is increasingly being shaped by sustainable materials and digital support. Environmentally friendly solvents, innovative consolidation agents and 3D scanning technologies are changing the practice. Conservators can document damage more precisely and make interventions completely reversible. Collaboration between international experts is also increasing. Major projects, such as the restoration of paintings in war zones or disaster areas, show how important interdisciplinary cooperation is. The goal always remains the same: to preserve works of art and make them accessible to future generations.

Painting restoration combines science, craftsmanship and an understanding of art in a unique way. It not only preserves paint and canvas, but also stories, emotions and cultural values. When you stand in front of a restored masterpiece, you see more than just a painting – you look into the past, experience art history and recognize the effort and expertise behind every brushstroke. Restorers are therefore not just craftsmen and women, but time travelers who bring past centuries into the present. With every saved painting, a piece of history remains alive and the fascination of art becomes tangible for future generations.