Kačka in the podcast Dobrej Ročník (Good Vintage)

In recent years, urbanism and architecture have become increasingly intertwined with digital technologies. Cities face complex challenges—from climate change to efficient infrastructure planning—and traditional methods often fall short. Digital and data-driven approaches open new possibilities for planning sustainable, efficient, and better-organized cities.

This topic was discussed in the podcast #DobrejRocnik by Kateřina Kovářiková, CEO of urbiq. In the interview, she shared her perspective on the digitalization of architecture and urbanism, introduced the founding and direction of urbiq studio, and reflected on the future of the field.

Digitalization of Architecture: A Revolution Already Underway

Cities generate massive amounts of data—from demographic statistics to traffic flows and climate conditions. When properly utilized, this data can significantly improve urban planning. A data-driven approach enables more efficient use of space, optimized transportation networks, and better responses to environmental challenges.

In practice, this involves using analytical tools, modeling various development scenarios, or working with so-called digital twins of cities. These technologies help urban planners and architects simulate different situations and predict their impacts before any physical changes occur in the city.

“In the Czech Republic, we are still at the beginning of this transformation, but interest is growing. Digitalization can significantly assist not only the private sector but also municipal governments seeking effective ways to plan future development,” says Kateřina Kovářiková.

Public vs. Private Sector: Who Sets the Direction?

One of the key questions in urban digitalization is the difference between the public and private sectors’ approaches. While private companies often leverage innovative tools to improve project efficiency, public institutions face more complex challenges, such as legislative constraints, political decisions, and funding issues.

In the podcast, Kateřina shared her experiences with both approaches and described how collaboration between these sectors can lead to better outcomes. “Digital tools can save the public sector time and money, but the key is knowing how to work with them and integrate them into decision-making processes,” she explains.

From Idea to Reality: The Story of urbiq

The conversation also touched on a more personal topic—how urbiq was founded and the initial steps toward its realization. Kateřina described how she progressed from the first ideas to joining accelerators and incubators that helped shape the studio’s vision.

Her experiences at the Czech Technical University (ČVUT) and her doctoral studies played an important role in this process. The academic sphere offers valuable theoretical knowledge, but it’s also crucial to connect this with practice. “One of urbiq’s main goals is exactly this connection—to bring academic innovations into real city planning,” says Kateřina.

What Does the Future Hold?

Where is digital urbanism headed? Kateřina mentions several key trends in the podcast:
🔹 Greater emphasis on data and its proper interpretation — digitalization will be not only about collecting data but especially about using it effectively.
🔹 Automation and artificial intelligence — AI can assist in modeling city development scenarios.
🔹 Public engagement — smart tools can improve communication between cities and their residents.

Listen to the Full Interview
The podcast #DobrejRocnik with Ing. arch. Kateřina Kovářiková is available on Spotify here.