Smart City

[gL.edu] This article gathers contributions by Maria Kavedzija, developed within the context of the Conceptual clarifications about "Utopias and the Information Society", under the supervisión of J.M. Díaz Nafría.

Abstract

This article discusses the characteristics and evolution of smart cities up to now and their potential outcomes for the future. The emphasis will be placed on sustainability and the complex balance of using technological innovations, which are the core of smart cities, and its effect on the population. By looking at the current state of smart cities and leaning on historical philosophies and later dystopian literature, this article analyzes to which extent their emergence could reshape urban lifestyles, by providing perspective and an insight into possible benefits, challenges and, dangers as more digital breakthroughs become implemented into daily life.

Introduction

Since the earliest days of human civilization, pursuing a perfect society has been a central theme in philosophy, literature, and political discourse. It is forecast that more than two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050. As urbanization has accelerated, this pursuit increasingly focused on addressing the unique challenges of living in a metropolis. Large, concentrated areas pose many social challenges along with creation of significant impacts on the environment. The excessive use of natural resources has already shown the consequences of negligence. However, advances in integrating information technology into cities promise to enhance societal efficiency in both social and environmental way.  Due to the digitalization of modern living, an increasing number of smart cities are emerging all over the globe and in many different countries. This concept is by no means new, given that number of big cities today contain components of smart technology, and rapid advances are contributing to their futuristic appearance. Beginning with the Industrial Revolution, in which machines revolutionized daily work in factories and households, cities have also rapidly evolved to meet the changing needs of their inhabitants. This phenomenon is materializing through the infusion of technological frameworks and networked systems into many areas of life.

Smart Cities: Definition, Purpose and Examples

A smart city is frequently characterized as one that leverages technological advancements, such as networks and digital services, to benefit its residents and businesses efficiently as per the definition of the European Commission. As far as the systems used are concerned, the International Electrotechnical Commission, the world's leading organization for the development of international standards for all types of electrical and electronic technologies, has defined certain standards that a city should meet before it can be called a smart city.

Advanced technologies are important enablers for the realization of smart city concepts as they embed advanced sensors and wireless communication into physical objects, allowing them to collect and share data continuously. The first example is Big Data, an umbrella term for various types of data in considerable quantities, which goes hand in hand with Cloud Computing, where these types of information are stored. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of sensors that connects different types of devices to each other, powered by a series of sensors that record even slight changes in the environment, making it an important feature in smart cities. Such interconnectivity between devices and improved simplifies efficient urban problem-solving and improved infrastructural planning, with smartphones acting as significant personal sensing tools. Specific examples of the benefits of these systems include connected home appliances in smart homes, healthcare assistance, and optimized route planning, as well as autonomous driving in intelligent transportation systems with integrated sensors. Such advances also extend to environmental monitoring with advanced geographic information systems (GIS), smart packaging for logistics and supply chain management, and security systems with intelligent cameras and real-time monitoring driven by IoT and GIS innovations.

A crucial aspect of future smart cities is a robust communication infrastructure that always ensures continuous connectivity, in all places and for all types of devices - from personal gadgets to battery-powered IoT devices. Such implementations serve multiple purposes, such as navigating city traffic using tools like smartphones, which enhances safety and efficiency. Additionally, it contributes to safer tourism through improved security and surveillance measures. Another goal of smart cities is sustainability. As there are more and more signs of vigorous climate change like earthquakes, fires, and floods as well as scorching temperatures, the developers strive to create city systems that are producing less emissions controlled by use of data-collecting sensors and sophisticated AI. In essence, smart cities strive for balance and harmony by combining a range of innovative tools with human-centered design.

Examples

Some examples of futuristic and advanced cities include Songdo in South Korea and Masdar City District in the United Arab Emirates.

Songdo, South Korea

Songdo's Industrial Business District is considered a cornerstone for future smart city solutions, with 40% of its area designated as green public space, offering residents, visitors, and businesses a sustainable and picturesque environment for living, working, and leisure activities. The city also integrates advanced technologies into everyday life, enhancing convenience and quality of living.

Masdar, UAE

Furthermore, Masdar City located in the capital of UAE paints a picture of a sustainable haven. It is a cutting-edge sustainable urban community that is transforming lifestyles and work environments with a commitment to sustainability. The city is a major business hub and is home to a diverse ecosystem of world-leading companies working together to drive green initiatives. Through continuous research and innovation, Masdar City is an example of sustainable urban development, supporting the UAE on its journey to net zero emissions. Masdar City serves as a model for future cities around the world, integrating advanced technology and environmental responsibility.

From Classical Thoughts to Smart Cities

The concept of smart cities is not new, the groundwork for “perfect” cities and societies was laid by early thinkers. Philosophers and writers envisioned societies that, albeit not advanced by modern standards, emphasized efficiency, connectivity, and the welfare of its residents. In the following paragraph, this article will briefly explore two possible examples. Although different from each other in their message, both offer meaningful insight and inspiration.

Plato´s "Republic"

In The Republic, Plato's seminal work, one of the books envisions an ideal city, where justice and harmony reign through a well-ordered society. Characterized by a focus on health, simplicity, and sustainability, this city rejects the excesses of luxury in favor of a balanced and functional community. Sustainability is a key principle in Plato's ideal city, where resources are used efficiently, and the structure of the city is designed to support long-term stability and self-sufficiency. The people exploit the resources that they have and do not seek more in order to obtain justice and peace. This vision includes sustainable agricultural practices, an equal distribution of resources, and a socio-economic structure that ensures the wellness of all citizens.

Emerson´s "Nature"

Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Nature" emphasizes the deep connection between humans and nature, advocating harmony, self-reliance, and the benefits of the sublime beauty of the environment.  In the context of smart cities, his vision translates into urban designs that incorporate green spaces such as parks and forests, along with sustainable practices. This ensures that the digital landscape does not disconnect citizens from nature. This promotes a balanced environment that supports physical and mental well-being, environmental sustainability, and a deep sense of the natural world which can be seen implemented in the example cities mentioned above.

Modern smart cities such as Songdo and Masdar exemplify the principles of Plato and Emerson by utilizing advanced technologies to create sustainable, efficient, and livable urban environments. These cities integrate digital infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and smart systems to optimize resource management, reduce environmental impact, and improve urban services.

Dystopian Dimensions of Smart Cities

Alongside the promise of a more convenient future, the rapidly developing smart cities also pose several significant challenges and risks concerning cyber security and data protection.

Increasing reliance on connected systems and big data makes smart cities appealing targets for cybercriminals. One of the issues being the infrastructure vulnerability. To manage everything from traffic lights to the power grid, smart cities rely on complex networks. One successful cyber-attack targeting these systems would cause catastrophic disruption, such as power outages, traffic chaos, and emergency service outages, significantly disrupting citizens' daily routines and potentially endangering lives. Additionally, vast volumes of data collected in smart cities pose genuine data protection concerns. As already mentioned, collection and analysis of specific information can improve services and quality of life, but also increase the risk of data breaches. Unauthorized access to personal details could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized surveillance. Ensuring data privacy in smart cities requires robust protection measures, clear policies on data usage, and transparency about its collection and usage. A further major challenge is harmonizing the older already existing structures with the new rapidly growing technologies. Outdated systems possibly lack modern security functions, which makes them susceptible to attacks. The constant evolution of digitalization means that security measures must be continually updated and evaluated to protect against emerging threats as well. Such modernization requires significant investments and ongoing attention, which can strain the resources of municipal governments, especially in developing countries. Human factors also play a critical role in cybersecurity and privacy. Taking good care of data banks and updating the cybersecurity systems are crucial. Cybersecurity is only as strong as its weakest link, and human error can lead to significant vulnerabilities

Scenarios

While the vision of smart cities promises utopian ways urban living, there are also dystopian aspects that raise some alarms. The omnipresence of technology raises ethical questions concerning the ownership of data and the potential for corporate or government exploitation, if the balance of power shifts dramatically in favor of those who oversee information processing and misuse it.

One particularly unsettling dystopian aspect is the pervasive surveillance that comes with living in smart cities. Such levels of surveillance creates a society in which individuals are constantly monitored, willingly as well as unwillingly, which could create a world of fear and compliance if control falls into the wrong hands. Privacy becomes a luxury as every action is recorded and evaluated, effectively erasing the concept of personal freedom (online and offline) for those who do not adhere to the norms and expectations prescribed by the authority. Furthermore, dependence on smart technologies can leave people unable to perform everyday tasks on their own, leading to a dependency that limits basic life skills.  Consequently, as people become accustomed to automated systems and information technology taking over basic functions, people's ability to think critically and solve problems could organically decline.

Dependence on digital devices and systems also distances people from nature, a concern made famous by the above-mentioned philosopher and author Emerson. He argued for a deep connection with nature and emphasized its importance for mental and spiritual well-being. As a result of constant over-engagement with digital devices and reliance on virtual environments, residents of smart environments miss the opportunity to experience the calm and restorative effects of the outdoors.

Several noteworthy dystopian works offer captivating insights into the possible dark sides of technologically advanced societies. These works serve as cautionary tales, warning of the risks involved in trading personal freedom and human connections for an artificially harmonious society, by highlighting the potential risks of exploitation of technical advancements and the loss of personal autonomy in the pursuit of a seemingly perfect social order.

Aldous Huxley’s "A Brave New World"

Aldous Huxley's "A Brave New World" describes a future where modern innovations and genetic engineering create a seemingly perfect society at the expense of individuality and freedom. Citizens are conditioned from birth to conform and sacrifice their autonomy for social stability, by being created to fit in a certain caste and fulfill the role assigned to them. By addressing themes such as consumerism, hedonism, and the dehumanizing effects of technology, the novel warns of the dangers of a society where happiness is manufactured and dissent is suppressed.

Some parallels between smart cities and this novel include the use of surveillance and data collection. In the novel, the World State monitors its citizens extensively to ensure conformity and stability, using various methods to track behaviors and conditioning thoughts and exile those who cannot be controlled. The dystopian elements of this novel highlight questions that are still relevant today. One of them is about privacy and the erosion of individual freedoms in today's smart cities (or the use of smart devices in general), where extensive surveillance and data collection are common. Additionally, the emphasis on consumerism and hedonism in "Brave New World" reflects contemporary issues, where the use of drugs promotes instant gratification and superficial satisfaction. Similarly, the overload of consumer goods in the book can be compared to the overconsumption fueled by the Internet today. Huxley's novel challenges readers to weigh the benefits of an information society against the need to preserve human values and personal autonomy, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the usage of technological progress, which seems to improve the society, does not come at the expense of individuality.

Other Works

Interestingly, many dystopian works deal with societies dominated by control through information and technology.

One of the examples is George Orwell's novel “1984". This is one of the most famous dystopian works, which depicts a society in which citizens are also subjected to constant surveillance and propaganda, and Big Brother - a towering symbol of state control – monitors their every move with the so called “Telescreens”, which are comparable to the devices found in most of the homes in the smart cities today, albeit not used for the same purpose.

Other notable media that deal with similar issues are Yevgeny Zamyatin's book "We" and the movie "Blade Runner", which is based on Philip K. Dick's novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?"."We" depicts a rigidly structured society where citizens' lives are tightly controlled and regulated by wearing identical clothes and having only one hour a day of private time. Additionally, people live in apartments made from glass, enabling The One State to follow their every move. Although it was published a century ago, this work parallels dystopian aspects of the current technologically driven world, where the relentless monitoring of citizens raises profound ethical questions about privacy and autonomy. Similarly, the movie "Blade Runner (2017)" explores a dystopian future where the line between human and artificial intelligence blurs, raising important questions about identity and humanity in an AI-dominated world. Both works highlight the ethical dilemmas and societal challenges posed by the relentless march of technological progress in urban environments, inspiring reflection on the possible consequences for human autonomy and social values in the future.

Final Thoughts

Harnessing the power of information technology for the evolution of smart cities represents a remarkable advance in urban development. Cities are using connected systems and data-driven analytics to improve efficiency, sustainability and quality of life for citizens. To summarize it can be stated that this phenomenon also poses legitimate concerns that are also reminiscent of themes from dystopian literature. The collection of vast amounts of data raises questions about privacy and surveillance, as well as the potential misuse of personal information. For this reason, the pursuit of efficiency and convenience, while beneficial, must be balanced with protective measures to ensure the welfare of individuals and the transparency of decision-making processes.

Despite some reservations, the vision of smart cities remains optimistic. The integration of digital solutions can promote innovation and economic growth, creating new opportunities for both businesses and residents. Ultimately, the success of smart cities depends on careful planning, inclusive governance, and a human-centered approach to technology. Just as historical philosophical and literary works have laid the foundation for societal structures, smart cities have the potential to build on them to redefine urban landscapes and set examples for the future generations to come. Now more than ever, cities have the potential to become even more citizen-friendly and resilient for the following decades, by responding to the diverse needs of not only their populations but the environment as a whole.