URBAN AI, a Paris-based think tank dedicated to ethical governance and the sustainable application of AI in cities, will hold "The Screenless Cities Conference" on November 12th, 2024 at the Sorbonne Center for Artificial Intelligence.

The proliferation of screens, especially smartphones, has radically transformed urban life. The most striking phenomenon of this metamorphosis is probably the appearance of the "smombie," a portmanteau of “smartphone” and “zombie” to describe city dwellers who become blind to their urban environment by constantly looking at their screens. This creates a new relationship with the city and new forms of urbanity, the consequences of which are just beginning to be understood.

This screen-centric urban experience will be exacerbated by the widespread adoption of AI systems, which primarily interface through screens (smartphones, hypervisors, computers, etc.) and are increasingly effective at capturing our attention. In light of this trend, is another future possible? Can we imagine taking AI out of screens and materializing information in the urban environment? In essence, can we hope for the city to compete with screens and become a medium once again?

This symposium aims to conceptualize the notion of the "Screenless City" proposed by URBAN AI. It also aims to present International projects—both political and architectural—that extend this vision and work towards a “Post-Screen City.” Finally, it seeks to propose a work schedule to explore this concept further.

Speakers (More to be announced)

- Victor Bret - DynamicLand

- Julia Zimmermann - CityLab Berlin

- The Metropolis of Bordeaux

- Violet Whitney - Columbia University / Spatial Pixel

- Philippe Sajhau - Director of Smart City at the City of Noisy-le-Grand

- Mauro Carbone - University of Jean Moulin Lyon 3

- Caroline Goulard - Dataveyes

- Olivier Aïm - Sorbonn University

- Hubert Beroche - URBAN AI

- Guillaume Giroud - University of Jean Moulin Lyon 3

Abstract Submission

As part of this Conference, we are accepting a few external speakers. Speakers will be chosen based on the submission of 2-page extended abstracts to [email protected] by October 16, 2024.

Relevant topics are: Data Embodiment, Screen Regulation & Policy, AI and the Playable City, Spatial AI and Cities, Urban Tangible Interfaces, and Sensible Interfaces.

Authors of accepted abstracts will be notified by October 24, 2024.

Find out more information about URBAN AI through the WAC's interview.

Top image in the article courtesy of URBAN AI.

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