More-than-Human Design in Smart Cities [Panel Talk]

In this talk I will present my recent research into more-than-human perspectives in the design of smart cities. I will discuss creative methods used to decenter the human in urban decision-making, and ways to rethink the role of data and emerging technologies to support more thriving cohabitation in urban space between humans and non-human others, such as plants, animals, bacteria, fungi and water.

Note this talk will be part of the More-than-Human Design panel running between 1:40-2:40pm in room B104

About the speaker:

Sara is a Lecturer in Computer Science and Programme Co-Director on the MSc in Human Computer Interaction Design at City, University of London. Her research explores the intersections of sustainability, smart cities, and citizen engagement. Her collaborative work employs creative methods to engage marginalised communities to explore possibilities for emerging technologies to help create more sustainable and inclusive urban futures.

About the More-than-Human Design panel

This panel on More-than-Human Design will include short presentations from four speakers who focus on moving beyond human-centered perspectives in their work, as part of a response to ecological concerns. From academia, to industry and art practice, speakers will present different projects that show the diversity of possibilities for more-than-human design in different contexts. Following the presentations there will be a panel discussion to further probe the different methods for more-than-human design, and explore some of the limitations, challenges and opportunities of more-than-human approaches in practice.