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Abstract Rapid increasing urbanization and resource scarcity are global phenomena nowadays, leading to the urban transformation of cities into smart cities. This article explores sustainability by using the lens of the spirit of place (SOP) for smart city development by proposing a model for the transformation of the cities into smart cities and attainment of the sustainable development simultaneously based on Interpretive Structure Modelling (ISM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). This study followed a systematic approach by utilizing an analytical framework that included an extensive literature review and urban experts' opinions for the identification of a pool of indicators and its evaluation for validity, pilot testing, and administration of a questionnaire to a population sample. The study utilizes a sample of 142 participants who have witnessed the transformation of their city over the years. The research showed that every place has its own identity known to be the ‘spirit of place’ that helps in assessing the sustainable characteristics and utilizing that in the path of planning and development for the attainment of sustainable development. It also showed that urban developers should consider local populations’ views and important aspects in designing and planning development projects to achieve sustainable development with resilient infrastructure. This study will help facilitate sustainability at a local level for urban developers, planners, and decision-makers while crafting strategic plans.
Singh et al. (Wed,) studied this question.