Unveiling the Hidden World Beneath Our Cities: Sam Wiffen on Underground Infrastructure
In this captivating episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast, Fanni Melles, PhD, hosts Sam Wiffen, Global Thought Leader for Underground Infrastructure and Utilities, to uncover the critical yet often overlooked world beneath our cities.
As the founder and director of Reveal, a specialist subsurface utility technology firm, Sam brings a wealth of expertise and passion for transforming how we understand and manage underground networks. From water and power to communications and sewer systems, this conversation explores the challenges, opportunities, and future of underground infrastructure in smart cities. Sam also challenges conventional thinking, discussing sustainability, resilience, and the concept of antifragility in urban planning.
Tune in to discover why what’s beneath our feet is key to building safer, more efficient, and sustainable urban environments!
Key Takeaways
1:20 - Introducing Sam Wiffen and His Role at Reveal
3:00 - What Are Underground Infrastructure and Utilities?
4:30 - The Interconnected Nature of Underground Networks in Cities
7:00 - Can New Technologies Replace Underground Infrastructure?
11:20 - The Role of Redundancy in Underground Systems
13:20 - How Underground Infrastructure Enables Smart Cities
16:40 - Biggest Challenges: Poor Data and the Tragedy of the Commons
19:20 - Opportunities: Technology, Feedback Loops, and Commercial Models
22:40 - Sustainability and Resilience vs. Antifragility in Infrastructure
29:30 - Sam’s Journey: From Farm Life to Underground Innovation
35:20 - How to Learn More About Underground Infrastructure
39:00 - Closing Thoughts: A Call to Action for Collaboration and Change
Learn More About Sam Wiffen and Reveal:
- Sam Wiffen on LinkedIn
- Reveal website
- Reveal on LinkedIn
- @Reveal_nz on X
- Reveal on Youtube
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