Forgotten City: Rethinking Digital Living for Our People and the Planet

Cities are the future, but they must be just, successful, clean, fair, green, sustainable, safe, healthy, and affordable. Phil Allmendinger, a world expert on cities, development, and urban governance, questions the role of 'smart' in future cities and the relationship with city development. He warns that commercial drivers of big tech may dominate, and that decisions on city development need to understand the dangers posed by social media, the platform economy, and AI to save the planet through active politics and healthy cities.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 25 May 2021
\n Publisher: Bristol University Press
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We all aspire for cities, where over half of the world's population currently resides, to be just, successful, clean, fair, green, sustainable, safe, healthy, and affordable. Will 'smart cities' aid in achieving these aspirations, or will they undermine them during the COVID-19 pandemic? Phil Allmendinger, a renowned expert in cities, development, and urban governance, takes a critical stance on the role of 'smart' in future cities and its relationship with urban development. Considering how technology can facilitate active citizenship, he questions the commercial motivations behind big tech and cautions that these, rather than developments for 'social good,' may dominate. Focusing on the dangers posed by social media, the platform economy, and AI, he outlines what decision-makers in city development need to comprehend in order to save the planet through active politics and healthy cities.

Cities are the engines of our global economy, providing opportunities for innovation, growth, and social progress. However, as cities grow and evolve, they face numerous challenges, including urbanization, climate change, and social inequality. One of the most promising solutions to these challenges is the development of 'smart cities,' which use technology to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and livability of urban areas.

Smart cities are characterized by a range of technologies, including sensors, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies enable cities to collect and analyze data in real-time, allowing them to make informed decisions about infrastructure, transportation, energy, and other key aspects of city life. For example, smart sensors can monitor air quality, traffic patterns, and energy consumption, providing valuable insights for city officials to improve public health, reduce pollution, and optimize energy usage.

Data analytics is another key component of smart cities. By analyzing large amounts of data, cities can identify patterns and trends that can inform decision-making and improve the efficiency of city services. For example, data analytics can help cities optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve public transportation options, making it easier and more affordable for residents to get around.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is also playing a significant role in smart cities. IoT devices, such as smart sensors and smart meters, can connect to the internet and communicate with each other, providing cities with real-time data and insights. For example, IoT devices can monitor water usage, waste management, and energy consumption, allowing cities to identify areas where resources can be conserved and waste can be reduced.

In addition to these technological advancements, smart cities also prioritize sustainability and environmentalism. By implementing green infrastructure, such as green roofs and solar panels, cities can reduce their carbon footprint and improve air quality. Smart cities can also use data analytics to optimize energy usage and reduce waste, making them more sustainable and resilient to the impacts of climate change.

One of the key benefits of smart cities is that they can improve the quality of life for residents. By providing access to affordable housing, healthcare, and education, smart cities can help reduce social inequality and promote economic growth. Smart cities can also use data analytics to identify areas where residents are struggling and provide targeted support and services to help improve their quality of life.

However, the development of smart cities also raises several concerns and challenges. One of the primary concerns is the potential for increased surveillance and privacy concerns. As cities collect and analyze more data, there is a risk that personal information may be compromised or used for unintended purposes. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for data breaches and cyberattacks, which could have serious consequences for the security and privacy of residents.

Another challenge is the potential for job displacement and economic inequality. As technology advances and automation becomes more prevalent, there is a risk that certain jobs will be lost to automation, leading to increased unemployment and economic inequality. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for technology to exacerbate existing inequalities, such as by increasing the digital divide and excluding marginalized communities.

To address these challenges, it is important for decision-makers in city development to prioritize social justice and equity. This means ensuring that the benefits of smart city technologies are distributed fairly and that marginalized communities are not left behind. Decision-makers should also prioritize transparency and accountability in their decision-making processes, ensuring that residents have a voice in the development of smart city technologies and that their concerns are addressed.

In conclusion, smart cities are a promising solution to the challenges facing urban areas. By using technology to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and livability of cities, smart cities can help promote economic growth, reduce social inequality, and improve the quality of life for residents. However, it is important for decision-makers to prioritize social justice and equity and to ensure that the benefits of smart city technologies are distributed fairly and that marginalized communities are not left behind. By doing so, smart cities can become a model for sustainable and inclusive urban development.

\n Weight: 376g\n
Dimension: 146 x 225 x 29 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781447356011\n \n