Urban Design and Digital Transformation

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of post-industrial cities as compared to industrial cities?

Production and trade

Services and innovation (correct)

Manufacturing and industry

Agricultural development

In which year did the concept of the Network Society begin to gain recognition?

1750

1950

1990 (correct)

2121

What does digital transformation primarily shape in society?

Rural development strategies

Traditional employment models

Social interactions offline

Society according to new business models (correct)

What key factor is essential for digitisation to be effective?

Data measurement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of urbanization in metropolitan areas?

Concentration of urban populations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'Spaces of Places'?

Physical locations with direct interaction Signup and view all the answers

What role do sensors play in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT)?

To bridge the gap between human and non-human actors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about digitisation is FALSE?

It eliminates the need for local governance. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does digitalisation NOT emphasize?

Physical infrastructure development Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential downside of digitisation in urban environments?

Stronger segregation and filter bubbles Signup and view all the answers

How has telecommunication influenced contemporary society?

Liberation from fixed locations Signup and view all the answers

Which of these technologies is NOT typically associated with digitisation?

Traditional books Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of digitisation in the built environment (BE)?

Integration of digital processes and elements Signup and view all the answers

How does digitisation relate to human necessity in urban areas?

It links directly to enhancing human experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does digitisation have on the state of public space?

It can transform how public spaces are utilized. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of the 'Data Citizen' concept?

Improved personal quality of life through digital means. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of public space compared to virtual space?

Encouragement of free expression and interaction Signup and view all the answers

How does urban culture seek to connect local communities?

Through physical connections to networks Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of multifunctionality in public spaces imply?

Openness for free expression and diverse interactions Signup and view all the answers

In the context of mobility, what does TOD stand for?

Transport Oriented Development Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the crises associated with gender in the context of mobility?

Crisis of Patriarchy affecting participation Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Pokémon Go phenomenon in Consonno, Italy?

Renewed attention to a previously abandoned location Signup and view all the answers

What role does technology play in urban mobility according to the content?

Measuring and providing new solutions for accessibility Signup and view all the answers

Which concept involves creating connections to counteract segregation?

Holistic planning approaches Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Future is Now

"What do you think a metropolis looks like in 2121?"
The text explores this question by examining the impact of digital technology on the built environment (BE) in 2121.

Optimistic Visions

Examples including Autopia Ampere (1978), Saturation City (2010), and City of Meriens (2010) all represent optimistic scenarios of future cities.
These visions include ideas of superblocks to combat flooding, floating cities, and Corral Reefs.

Digital Transformation in the Built Environment

Transformation in BE is driven by digital technology.
Digital tech impacts the BE through the interaction of technology and society.

Historical Development of the Built Environment

Industrial Revolution (1750): Cities focused on production and trade.
Post-Industrial Age (1950): Cities focused on services and innovation.

Three Key Developments in Urban Design

Urbanisation: the continual flow of people into cities creates a concentration of population in metropolitan areas.
Away from the Grid: Increased availability of WiFi and telecommunication networks allow for mobile, non-location-dependent life.
Network Society (1990->): Interconnected cities with a digital layer, focused on global information exchange and application.

The Digitisation Process

Refers to the transformation of analog processes into digital ones.
This involves integrating digital technologies into business models.
Digital transformation reshapes society based on new business models.

Digitisation of Society

Creates a smart network.

Internet of Things

Sensors and networks connect humans and non-human "things."
The idea that a person is a "thing" in the network.
Humans are actors within the network.

Data

Data is a key component of the digitization process.
Sensors measure everything, often numerically and through contract or voluntary participation.

Examples of Data Sources

Smartwatches, Maps, Instagram, Snapchat, Strava, Toto, Apple Wallet, Weather Apps, iPhone Operating Systems.

Digitisation is a transformative process

It involves the conversion of data into numbers and the transfer of data from the local to a global level.
Digitization provides worldwide access, integration in processes, and real-time information linked to human needs and (economic) processes.

Spaces of Places and Spaces of Flows

Spaces of Places: Physical locations where communication and exchange occur.
Spaces of Flows: Virtual interactions through communication technology.
The text argues for the merging of physical spaces and virtual spaces, as well as the potential for virtual spaces to be more appealing than physical ones.

Data in the Built Environment

The significance of data in shaping the BE is highlighted.

Digital Citizens

Those who utilise digital means to improve their personal quality of life.

Need for Grid

The text argues for structured frameworks and regulations to guide these changes, recognizing the need for rules, measuring, and monitoring.

Utopia vs Dystopia

Potential impacts of digitization on the built environment:
- Work and home locations
- Demographic trends
- Public spaces
- Means of inclusion and exclusion
- Safety
- Physical integration of different incomes
- Citizen organization
- Importance of local governance

Changes in the Built Environment

Merged work-life areas
Multicultural society
Access to networks
Increased segregation
Filter bubbles
Physical fertile ground for criminality and aggression
Public space identity versus networked commerce
Stronger citizen activism (commons and climate challenges)
Weaker local government

Consequences for Urban Design (UD)

Home functions and types
Public space functions
Interaction in public spaces

Urban Culture (UD)

Reclaiming urban culture by connecting local communities physically and through networks.
Public space is key, contrasting it with virtual and private spaces.
Examples include the use of shopping centers.

Multifunctionality

Public spaces for everyone are essential, with no fixed function and opportunities for free expression, interaction, and multicultural offerings.

Consequences for Urban Planning (UP)

Contact with the government
Flexible planning of spaces
Connecting rural areas to networks

Connection and Holistic Approach

UP focuses on counteracting segregation, both physically and digitally.
A holistic approach is essential, connecting government silos for greater participation.

Example of Rural Gaming

Pokémon Go in Summer 2016 brought renewed attention to Consonno, Italy, a ghost town experiencing renewed interest from players.

Plymouth Example

Combining a virtual layer with an urban space allows for fun and games, while also rediscovering the space.
This example focuses on citizen involvement in planning and utilising public space.

Consequences for Mobility and Organisation (MO)

Home and work area impacts, such as the potential for increased working from home leading to consequences for traffic flow.
Navigation (digital) versus steering (physical)

Connection and Functional Urban Area

MO focuses on preventing unnecessary travel using transit-oriented development (TOD).
The goal is to promote a transition to less car-dependent mobility, creating functional urban areas with multimodal transportation options.
Rural areas are especially vulnerable to mobility poverty.

Gender and Mobility

MO recognizes the potential for digital networking to empower individuals and create space for new participants within society, potentially challenging traditional patriarchal structures.

Technology and New Solutions

MO emphasizes monitoring and measuring for safety.
Digital solutions can reduce pressure on existing systems.
Accessibility is key for everyone.
The "Smart City" is often presented as a solution, but it's not always a perfect or desirable solution.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz examines the evolution of urban environments with a focus on the impact of digital technology as we envision cities in 2121. Explore historical developments, optimistic visions of future cities, and key urban design concepts driven by technology and societal changes.