Chaos is also needed to build a Smart Nation

CARLO Ratti is a lot of things: architect, engineer, activist, and voted one of the world's most influential designers. He runs his own design and innovation firm Carlo Ratti Associati, and teaches at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he directs the MIT Senseable City Lab, which looks at how new technologies are changing the way we understand, design and live in cities.

In Singapore, he is perhaps best known as the designer and architect behind the redevelopment of Golden Shoe Car Park. The new landmark 51-storey tower on 88 Market Street only this week revealed its name: CapitaSpring. When completed some time in 2021, it will be among the tallest and greenest buildings in Raffles Place.

Here, Professor Ratti shares his thoughts on Singapore's digital city aspirations and using technologies to mould physical spaces.