Towards Smarter Cities

This is a sponsored event by the Harvard Graduate School of Design Executive Education.

How might we imagine ‘Smarter Cities’ in the future? Technology can only do so much, especially when cities often lack the basic building blocks, and complexities ranging from the physical location to the city's socio-economic, political, and aspirational context require nuanced attention. Cities must be imagined, governed, and made humane and equitable places. This session will first cover the business-as-usual imagination of smart cities, and the politics and interests that drive it. Participants will engage in a group exercise to inventory useful parameters and aspirations towards making Smarter Cities. The second part will then delve into the broader parameters and challenges we should consider in finding smarter ways to imagine cities of the future.

Instructor

Rahul Mehrotra Chairman, Department of Urban Planning and GSD Dean Designate Harvard GSD