Location: Constantine, Algeria
In 2018, the Smart City International Seminar was held in Constantine, bringing together international experts to discuss the challenges and future directions of smart urban development.
On this occasion, Marie-Ikram Bouhlel, founder of Atelier dada, was invited to deliver a keynote talk entitled “The role of lighting design in shaping smart and sustainable cities.” Her presentation explored how a thoughtful lighting approach can support urban transformation, enhance quality of life, and contribute to more coherent public spaces.
Through selected project examples and lighting strategies, the talk highlighted the role of light as a structuring element of the city, capable of reinforcing urban legibility while responding to architectural context, uses, and available resources.
Beyond technical discussions, the seminar emphasized the need for integrated urban thinking that balances innovation, meaning, and long-term responsibility. The event received local media coverage, notably by El Wassat, underlining the relevance of these reflections for the future of Algerian cities.