Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, Gordana Fontana-Giusti has taken part in the Milan Triennale of Architecture.
Fontana-Giusti joined the panel discussion in the series of talks titled What Is the City but the People? The series explored the subject of smart city: hyper-connectivity and cyber vulnerability.
What are smart cities? They’re usually related to high energy efficiency, reduced waste production strengthening of low environmental impact mobility, pedestrian culture, wellness improvement, better quality of life, reduction in healthcare expenses etc.
But is a smart city the best model for the future? This panel discussion investigated efficiency and energy savings, as well as the social and psychological implications related to hyper-connectivity and surveillance systems, along with cyber vulnerability of individuals and the impact on mental health. Concluding that only when people are feeling supported and empowered by their city, can the city be called smart.
The subject of smart cities is currently being critically reviewed for its advantages and disadvantages in the times of Covid19 and COP26. All future actions and use of resources related to the production of architecture and visions in urban design must be guided by concerns for the planet, a more humane society and good health for every individual.
This is on the agenda at CREAte, the research centre at the Kent School of Architecture and Planning that specialises in architectural humanities and urban design, while the subject of smart cities is studied in MA in Architecture and Urban design led by Professor Fontana-Giusti.