Smart Urbanism: Utopian vision or false dawn?

Author: Luque-Ayala, Andres
Brand: Taylor & Francis Ltd
Edition: 1
Binding: Paperback
Number of Pages: 196
Release Date: 26-11-2015
EAN: 9781138844230
Languages: English

About the Book:
Smart Urbanism (SU) is the integration of digital technologies into cities, transforming buildings, neighbourhoods, infrastructures, and social networks. Promoted as a solution to a wide range of urban challenges, including managing infrastructures, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing social interaction, Smart Urbanism is presented as a panacea for many contemporary urban issues. This book critically examines the promises of SU, questioning the capabilities it offers, who benefits from these technologies, and what exclusions are created in the process.

It explores the social and material consequences of smart urban technologies, comparing their development in cities across both the Global North and South. The book addresses whether current visions of SU can meet their potential and offers alternative trajectories for reshaping cities. Drawing on a collection of theoretically informed case studies, this work advances the understanding of the histories, geographies, governance, and social implications of smart cities.

Review:
"Smart Urbanism is destined to become a key reference in debates about smart cities. The contributors offer a rich series of theoretically informed case studies that critically examine the discourses, infrastructures, and practices that constitute ‘smart’; together they significantly advance our understanding of smart cities." — Gillian Rose, Professor of Cultural Geography at The Open University, UK.
"Smart Urbanism is a major reference point in key debates about smart urban governance." — László Cseke, Hungarian Geographical Bulletin 65, 2016