So, you want to know what to read or listen to become a better designer, urban planner, architect, or social activist who integrates cutting-edge technology while putting ethics and inclusion at the heart of your work? Here are a few recommendations from the Designing Cities For All (DCFA) team. These books and resources will help you understand the evolving role of artificial intelligence in urban spaces, offering guidance on how to critically and creatively engage with Urban AI for more just, equitable cities.
The following books and resources were chosen by the Designing Cities for All fellow of 2024: Dr. Ekim Tan, the founder of Play the City, as well as architect, urban designer and game developer. Her work revolves around creating inclusive decision-making processes through urban gaming, making her uniquely positioned to address the intersection of Urban AI, participatory design, and ethics.
Urban Artificial Intelligence: A Guidebook for Understanding Perceptions and Ethics
Author: Tan Yigitcanlar
Tan Yigitcanlar’s Urban Artificial Intelligence is a foundational text for anyone navigating the complex interface of AI and urbanism. This guidebook delves into the practical, ethical, and social dimensions of integrating AI into urban spaces. Yigitcanlar unpacks the ways AI-driven technologies—like autonomous transportation systems, urban energy grids, and digital public services—can streamline urban functionality while trying their potential to exacerbate inequalities if not designed with care.
The book’s strength lies in its focus on community perceptions of AI. Through global case studies, it highlights how urban AI can either build public trust or deepen social divides, depending on how transparently it is implemented. Yigitcanlar also discusses ethical frameworks to address biases, accountability, and inclusivity in AI systems. For practitioners, the book provides actionable steps to create AI solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and community-centered.
The Computable City: Histories, Technologies, Stories, Predictions
Author: Michael Batty
Michael Batty’s The Computable City presents a groundbreaking perspective on the digitization of urban life. Drawing on decades of expertise, Batty explores how cities are increasingly modeled as computational systems, with data and algorithms driving everything from urban planning to disaster management. He introduces the concept of “digital twins,” virtual models that simulate urban environments to test scenarios in real-time.
While the potential of these technologies is fixed, Batty emphasizes the need for critical reflection. He discusses challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic opacity, and the potential for AI to amplify existing inequities. The book includes case studies of cities that have successfully leveraged computational models, as well as cautionary tales of failures where lack of ethical oversight led to significant consequences. Batty’s work is essential for urban professionals who want to embrace technological innovation without losing sight of social responsibility.
Author: Kars Alfrink
In Contestable AI, Kars Alfrink addresses one of the most pressing challenges of integrating AI into urban systems: the lack of transparency and the risk of unchecked authority. Alfrink proposes that all AI systems in urban contexts must be “contestable,” meaning they should allow for public questioning, scrutiny, and modification. This is particularly important in applications like predictive policing, urban zoning, and public service allocation, where decisions can have profound social impacts.
Through detailed case studies, Alfrink explores instances where opaque AI systems led to public outcry, such as biassed policing algorithms or discriminatory housing policies. He also highlights positive examples, showing how participatory design and transparent algorithms can build public trust and improve outcomes. The book concludes with practical guidelines for designing contestable AI systems, emphasising collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and citizens. This is a must-read for anyone committed to democratic governance in the age of AI.
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Author: Yuval Noah Harari
Yuval Noah Harari’s 21 Lessons for the 21st Century offers a sweeping examination of the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. The chapter on AI, in particular, is a thought-provoking analysis of its transformative impact on societies, economies, and governance. Harari explores how AI is disrupting labour markets, creating new forms of inequality, and shifting the balance of global power.
One of Harari’s key insights is the potential for AI to centralise authority in unprecedented ways. He warns against the rise of “digital dictatorships,” where governments or corporations use AI to surveil and control populations. However, Harari also presents a hopeful vision, arguing that humanity can harness AI to create more equitable and sustainable systems—if we prioritise ethical governance and collective decision-making. For urbanists, this chapter serves as a wake-up call to consider the broader societal implications of AI in their work.
Founder: Hubert Beroche
Hubert Beroche’s Urban AI YouTube channel is a treasure trove of insights for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The channel features interviews with a diverse array of experts, including urban planners, local government officials, designers, economists, and technologists. Topics range from the role of AI in climate adaptation to its potential for enhancing citizen participation in urban governance.
Beroche’s conversational format makes complex topics accessible, while his longlist of guests ensures a wide range of perspectives. Key episodes include discussions on ethical frameworks for AI in public spaces, the potential for AI to reduce urban inequalities, and innovative applications of machine learning in city management. The channel’s blend of theoretical analysis and practical case studies makes it an invaluable resource for staying informed about the rapidly evolving field of Urban AI.
Dr. Ekim Tan’s selection reflects a commitment to exploring how Urban AI can be harnessed responsibly to transform cities into spaces of equity and opportunity. These books and resources challenge us to approach technology not just as a tool, but as a force with profound ethical implications—and they offer the knowledge needed to shape it wisely. Happy reading and watching!k
21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari in this list can be ordered at Athenaeum Bookstore . With the code DCFA2324 you get a 10% discount on non-Dutch publications.
