The UN estimates that by 2050, 70% of the world's population will live in cities. Globalisation and digitisation have transformed almost every aspect of urban life. Our smart homes are full of smart devices that talk to each other via the 'Internet of Things', and our lives are increasingly mediated by algorithms. We work in the gig economy, pay for goods and services with digital currencies, and eschew ownership in favour of sharing and renting models. This is one potential vision of our hyper-connected future – but is it really the one we want?  

Or, can we envision a different sort of connectivity altogether –– where hardware and software come together seamlessly to create a human-centric urban environment? What would that look like for our homes, schools, offices, parks, and shops? Perhaps we'd wake up to the sound of birds rather than traffic. After finishing our locally-sourced breakfast, we'd hop on an electric tram and commute through lush green spaces into the city centre. Because our cities have become an extension of our campuses, education is now considered a lifelong affair. We find new ways to connect and exchange with one another across cities, generations, and backgrounds. Instead of seeking one-size-fits-all solutions to society's problems, we creatively adapt successful initiatives from other cities to our unique local context. In this version of the future, hyper-connectivity gives us agency rather than taking it away in favour of convenience.

We find ourselves at a crossroads where the decisions we make around infrastructure and design have the power to shape the experience of future generations. Paradigm shifts, public/private collaborations, and holistic innovations are just some of the tools we have at our disposal as we seek solutions to the most pressing issues facing our cities and communities. Together, we can co-create a green and sustainable built environment that prioritises well-being and community and leverages smart technologies to increase access and usability. Are you in?

Join us in Madrid and help us bring about our vision for the university cities of tomorrow.

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