Today’s most successful places are shaped as much by digital intelligence as they are by physical design. AI-powered space analytics, immersive metaverse experiences and connected technologies are now influencing how destinations are conceived, brought to life and sustained over time. These tools are helping developers improve sustainability, increase operational efficiency and create richer experiences for the people who use them.

Smart Cities, IoT and Real-Time AI Space Management

Smart city technology and IoT are changing the way urban environments function, enabling real-time monitoring of lighting, energy, air quality and footfall. This information supports better decisions on sustainability and the overall resident experience (World Economic Forum).

Astral Placemaking Group integrates real-time spatial AI analytics through Fyma, which transforms existing CCTV networks into powerful data sensors. Fyma captures anonymised data on occupancy, dwell time and movement flows with up to ten times the precision of traditional sensors (Fyma). This intelligence allows developers to optimise public realm usage, align events with footfall patterns and adapt space programming without installing new hardware.

“Jade is an amazing and truly visionary force in placemaking. The projects she’s been involved in are not only stunning to look at, but deeply thoughtful in how they bring people together and create a real sense of belonging. We’re so excited to be working alongside her. With Fyma, we can add another layer to that vision, showing how a place is actually used day to day, revealing the real impact of the placemaking and even helping to shape the approach from the very beginning.”
Karen Burns, CEO, Fyma

Real-World Examples of Fyma in Action

QuadReal – Enhanced Space Efficiency Without Extra Hardware
QuadReal used Fyma’s AI platform across complex office and retail environments, leveraging existing CCTV systems to deliver real-time and historical data. This approach improved operational efficiency and space utilisation without the need for costly new installations.

Jamestown – Multi-Storey Tracking and Event Analytics
Known for developments like One Times Square and Ponce City Market, Jamestown implemented Fyma to analyse visitor movement across multiple floors. Real-time alerts helped prevent overcrowding, optimise event programming and manage capacity.

Workspace Provider – Accuracy and Operational Gains
Fyma achieved over 95% accuracy in occupancy tracking for a leading workspace operator, eliminating meeting room misuse, improving resource allocation and enhancing tenant experience.

Stat Snapshot: The Impact of AI Spatial Analytics

10x more accurate than traditional sensors
95%+ accuracy in occupancy tracking across multiple sites
No new hardware required when using existing CCTV networks
Days, not months, for full rollout: connect in 1 day, setup in 2 days, start reporting in 2 days

AR/VR Experiences and Metaverse Strategies

Immersive AR/VR tools have become central to marketing and engagement. Virtual tours allow stakeholders to explore developments before they are built, while AR overlays enrich public realm storytelling through wayfinding, historic context or interactive features (CBRE).

Astral Placemaking Group develops metaverse strategies that create hybrid digital and physical environments, inviting communities to explore and interact with destinations in new ways. These experiences are informed by live data insights, ensuring activations are meaningful and tailored to audience behaviour. Learn more in our blog on The Metaverse and Real Estate.

Digital Twins: Intelligent Virtual Replicas

Digital twins are virtual models that mirror real-world spaces, powered by live data. They allow developers to test scenarios, monitor operations and predict maintenance needs.

Research shows digital twins can reduce building energy consumption by 15–17% and increase operational efficiency by up to 40% in retrofitted assets (ScienceDirect). Urban-scale digital twins are being adopted by over 500 cities globally, saving billions through better climate resilience and mobility planning (SmartCitiesWorld).

Astral Placemaking Group integrates digital twin technology into our strategies, combining it with AI insights to ensure developments are optimised throughout their lifecycle.

AI-Powered Space Management in Action

AI analytics platforms like Fyma turn data into actionable insight. By analysing movement patterns, occupancy and amenity use in real time, operators can:

Adjust public realm layouts
Improve energy management
Target marketing and events to high-engagement zones
Monitor usage trends for ongoing optimisation

Fyma’s real-time analytics have been proven to increase efficiency, cut operational costs and enhance user experience in large-scale developments.

Integrating Innovation with Human-Centred Design

Technology is only valuable when it enhances the human experience. At Astral Placemaking Group, we combine real-time data, immersive tech and cultural insight to design strategies where innovation supports connection. Using AI spatial analytics, we inform public realm activations, schedule events at optimal times, refine layouts and build metaverse environments that respond to live audience behaviour.

“Technology is reshaping placemaking, from connected systems to virtual storytelling. We use tools like IoT, AR/VR, digital twins and real-time AI to help developers understand how places perform and evolve. Fyma’s platform gives us live spatial insight from existing cameras, while our metaverse builds offer new ways to explore, engage and learn. Together, this technology allows us to create smarter spaces that still feel deeply human.” – Jade Hall, Founding Director, Astral Placemaking Group

Ready to Shape Smarter, More Connected Destinations?

If you want to see how AI, AR/VR, metaverse platform strategies and digital twins can elevate your development from activation to long-term optimisation, let’s talk. We combine creative placemaking with data-driven insights and immersive experiences.

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AI Innovations Transforming Placemaking