Since the 1960s, the concept of “smart cities”, referring to the use of digital technology and data in all aspects of city functions, has gained traction around the world. Many technology companies (with and without city collaboration) are developing and scaling digital applications across a number of use cases: mobility, transportation, construction, urban planning, public health and safety, public education, and so on.
Technology can potentially help address many of the challenges cities face (for example relating to energy consumption, ageing populations, congestion, housing shortage) but it can also open up for new challenges that will affect all citizens for years to come (for example relating to data privacy, inequality, democracy, and job loss). In many of these cases, there are no right or wrong answers, but there are answers that will impact the city in vastly different ways. Ultimately, we believe that cities belong to people, and therefore innovations that change how cities work should be made with and by the public.
This project was envisioned by Arup & Interactive Spaces Urban Studio as a large-scale public installation to engage people passing through a public space on how decisions around technology in cities should be made.
At the heart of the installation is 25 pairs of opposing statements reflecting different citymaking directions. People are encouraged to participate and weigh in as they see fit.
The first range of questions has focused on the relationship between digital technology and liveable cities. Should shops be allowed to use facial recognition to prevent theft — or is facial recognition a violation of public privacy? Do people believe that autonomous vehicles will help ease congestion in cities — or will it cause even more congestion? Should businesses and individuals be taxed based on their carbon footprint — or will this hamper business growth? However, there are many options to update and rethink these questions for new contexts and local needs.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch about where we should bring the project next. By taking the survey, you will also be offered a chance to suggest questions and topics that we can incorporate in the future.