In this session, A+T 2020 speakers Gemma John, Aisha Thomas, and Ben Green discuss social value and the built environment; why representation really matters in smart cities; and the “smart enough” city.
Gemma John: Making Cities in a Digital Age
Anthropologist Gemma John explores making cities in the digital age.
Digital technology enables us to work, live and play virtually, which has thrown into question the value of physical spaces. However, digital technology is still very much part of the creation of a physical space. Rather than considering digital platforms and social media engagement as an additional offering for customers only once a physical space has been designed and delivered, Gemma explores how digital technology is seamlessly interwoven into the design of physical spaces.
Gemma’s talk focuses on how the physical and digital come together and are co-created in the context of real estate projects as a way of thinking about smart cities in general. The examples she draws on include: the development and management of co-working and co-living spaces as well as the design of shopping centres and public libraries. By developing a deeper understanding of the dynamic between physical and virtual spaces, and indeed, challenging the boundary between them, Gemma argues that we can use AI in a more socially responsible way in relation to city-making.
Read our interview with Gemma about delivering social value in the built environment.
Aisha Thomas: Why Representation Really, Really Matters in Tech
Assistant Principal and Educational activist Aisha Thomas explores why representation really, really matters in tech.
“Until society represents everyone, the question will always be, Where do I belong? This is why representation matters.” During a mentoring meeting a young offender said to Aisha Thomas, “If you were my teacher, maybe I wouldn’t be in prison today.” Then a law graduate, Aisha realised she had an important role to play in inspiring young minds.
In her talk, Aisha seeks to debate the way in which tech is developing. It is clear that not all communities are excelling and growing with the rapid change in tech. Representation is important in all aspects of life and tech is not exempt from this. The hope is that tech will open doors and remove the discrimination that exists in everyday aspects of life, but often the very racial hierarchy that tech attempts to eradicate, can be amplified by the same system that seeks to remove it.
Listen to our podcast interview with Aisha Thomas about why representation really, really matters in tech.
Ben Green: The Smart Enough City
Ben Green discusses the ‘smart enough’ city.
Smart cities, where technology is used to solve every problem, are hailed as futuristic urban utopias. We are promised that apps, algorithms, and artificial intelligence will relieve congestion, restore democracy, prevent crime, and improve public services.
In The Smart Enough City, Ben Green warns against seeing the city only through the lens of technology; taking an exclusively technical view of urban life will lead to cities that appear smart but under the surface are rife with injustice and inequality. He proposes instead that cities strive to be “smart enough”: to embrace technology as a powerful tool when used in conjunction with other forms of social change—but not to value technology as an end in itself.
Listen to our podcast interview with Ben Green discussing why our cities aren’t just another technology problem.