Urban AI to Host 'Screenless Cities Conference' in Paris
Paris, France – On November 12th, 2024, the Sorbonne Center for Artificial Intelligence will play host to 'The Screenless Cities Conference,' an event organised by URBAN AI, a Paris-based think tank. Dedicated to ethical governance and the sustainable utilisation of AI within urban settings, URBAN AI aims to explore the future of urban interaction in a world where screens dominate the human experience.
The widespread adoption of screens, particularly smartphones, has fundamentally altered the way city residents interact with their environment. The rise of the "smombie," shorthand for a "smartphone zombie," epitomises this transformation. These individuals, engrossed in their screens, often become oblivious to their surroundings, leading to a new form of urban engagement whose full implications are still being unravelled.
As AI systems become more integrated into everyday life, primarily through screen-based devices such as smartphones, hypervisors, and computers, the attention economy is likely to intensify. This conference will tackle the crucial question: Could there be an alternative future where AI is decoupled from screens and information is integrated directly into the urban environment? The concept of a "Screenless City," where the city itself becomes a medium for interaction, will be a focal point of the event.
The symposium seeks to explore this conceptual framework, showcasing international projects that embody the vision of a “Post-Screen City”. The event aims to discuss political and architectural initiatives geared towards this vision and propose a work schedule for further exploration.
Notable Speakers and Attendees
The conference will feature a lineup of prominent speakers from various fields, including academic experts, city planners, and technological innovators. Confirmed speakers include:
- Victor Bret from DynamicLand
- Julia Zimmermann from CityLab Berlin
- Representatives from the Metropolis of Bordeaux
- Violet Whitney from Columbia University and Spatial Pixel
- Philippe Sajhau, Director of Smart City at the City of Noisy-le-Grand
- Mauro Carbone from the University of Jean Moulin Lyon 3
- Caroline Goulard from Dataveyes
- Olivier Aïm from Sorbonne University
- Hubert Beroche from URBAN AI
- Guillaume Giroud from the University of Jean Moulin Lyon 3
Call for External Speakers
The conference will also welcome contributions from external speakers. Researchers and professionals are encouraged to submit 2-page extended abstracts by October 16, 2024, to [email protected]. Topics of interest include Data Embodiment, Screen Regulation and Policy, AI and the Playable City, Spatial AI and Cities, Urban Tangible Interfaces, and Sensible Interfaces. Authors accepted for presentations will be notified by October 24, 2024.
For More Information
Attendees and individuals interested in the work of URBAN AI and the themes of the conference are invited to visit the organisation's website for further details.
As cities continue to evolve with technological advancements, 'The Screenless Cities Conference' presents an opportunity to rethink the urban experience and propose innovative alternatives. The event promises a broad array of insights and discussions, potentially shaping the future of how urban environments interact with their inhabitants in a screen-dominated world.
Source: Noah Wire Services