Towards Human-Centered Smart Cities
The term “smart city” often seems unattainable because it focuses too much on technology and not enough on people. A holistic approach is crucial to achieving meaningful results. One of the biggest challenges is to consider the most vulnerable, who are the least listened to and are not visible in the digital world. Many people, although they have a device, do not have their needs adequately met. Technology must serve to create inclusive and accessible scenarios for everyone, not just those with access to advanced devices.
And there will not only be more, but a whole existential school. Does it allow us to understand that, even if they click, we have to try to do? I always talk about architecture without architects, not because I am not a scholar in the discipline, but because they have to help us to make these scenarios.
It is essential to connect human needs with technological solutions, segmenting the useful from the extraordinary to ensure that we work with what really generates value and well-being. We should not be content with the ordinary, but with that which generates health and well-being. This includes literacy, allowing decisions to be made with maturity and for the benefit of the community.
In the digital age, many daily decisions are influenced by technology, from purchases to credits. Although we have more resources than previous generations, we are not necessarily better off. It is crucial not to be satisfied with a simple to-do list to become a people-centric Smart City; We need clear principles and guidelines so we don’t lose sight of what really matters.
The most difficult challenges include maintaining a strong sense of identity and community, leveraging technology and digital media to create healthy and sustainable environments. The information we gather now is vital for the future.
Implementing smart cities requires meticulous planning and collaboration across diverse sectors, including academia, industry, and governments. It is essential to address current and future challenges with clear strategies and multisectoral cooperation.
Smart cities must consider the most vulnerable citizens, ensuring that everyone has access to technological benefits. Inclusion must be a priority, encompassing not only people with disabilities, but also other marginalized groups.
Technology is redefining our individual comfort zones, but it also poses challenges to inclusion and equity within our communities. It is essential to ensure that all citizens benefit equitably from digital advances. Digital divides can exacerbate existing inequalities if certain groups do not have access to technology or lack the skills to use it.
For a city to be truly smart, it must balance innovation with tradition and community values. Digitalisation must go hand in hand with inclusion and social cohesion. The introduction of new technologies should not imply the elimination of valuable cultural and traditional practices. Instead, cities should look for ways to integrate these innovations to strengthen cultural identity and foster a sense of belonging among residents.
It is essential to maintain cultural and social diversity in the adoption of new technologies. Technological globalization can lead to the homogenization of urban cultures, where cities begin to resemble and act in similar ways, losing their unique identity.
Digital inclusion must be a priority so that all citizens can benefit from new technologies. Digital literacy programs and access to internet devices and services should be accessible to all, especially those in marginalized or low-income communities.