Guest Michael Batty discusses the history of computing, critiques of smart cities, and the future of urban forms. Topics include AI discourse, impact of digital technology on transportation, and challenges of managing big data in urban environments.
Cities are evolving into computable entities through the integration of technology in urban infrastructure.
Urban planning needs to encompass the dynamic relationship between transportation networks, land use, and technological advancements.
Predicting the future of cities remains uncertain due to the complexities arising from technological revolutions and evolving urban landscapes.
Deep dives
Michael Batty's Background and Interest in Cities
Michael Batty, professor of planning at the New York City College London, discusses his architectural background and transition into urban planning and the study of cities. His interest in cities started during his early training in architecture and further developed as he explored the interconnectedness of urban systems. Batty delves into the historical evolution of cities, tracing the emergence of structured urban planning and the integration of technology in city development.
The Computable City: Evolution of Computers in Urban Planning
In his book, 'The Computable City,' Michael Batty explores the history of computing and its application in city planning and analysis. He highlights the origins of digital computers post-World War II and their rapid development in various countries. Batty emphasizes the shift from using computers to understand cities to embedding computers within urban infrastructure, transforming cities into computable entities.
Technology's Impact on Urban Dynamics
Batty discusses the fusion of technology and urban systems, showcasing how computers have revolutionized city management and decision-making. He highlights the intricate relationship between transportation networks and land use, emphasizing the need to understand and model cities as dynamic entities shaped by technology and human behavior.
Challenges of Predicting the Future of Cities
Batty acknowledges the unpredictability of future urban developments, especially with the rapid advancements in information technology and artificial intelligence. He underscores the complexity of city modeling and the challenges in foreseeing the consequences of technological revolutions on urban landscapes. Batty contends that while certain aspects of urban life can be predicted, the evolution of cities remains inherently uncertain.
Complexity of Urban Planning and Technology Integration
Batty reflects on the increasing complexity of urban systems and the challenges of integrating technology into city planning. He discusses the transition from physical city infrastructure to digital connectivity, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to understanding cities as multifaceted and evolving entities influenced by technology, social dynamics, and environmental factors.
This week on Talking Headways we’re joined by Michael Batty, Professor of Planning at the University College London. We chat about his book The Computable City: Histories, Technologies, Stories, Predictions which includes histories of computing, smart city critiques, what the discourse on AI should really be about, and discussions on the future of urban forms.
