This is the thirty second edition of D&T Special, a more in-depth view of topics that interest the Canvs team. Today's topic - How tech is changing ways in which how we interact with cities and vice versa. Additionally, a fun fact, this thought piece was graciously contributed to our editorial efforts by our very own Hamsika Iyer, a designer in the Canvs team.
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✍️ From the Canvs Research & Editorial Desk
Modern cities are both a function of their people and the phones they hold in their pockets. Technology is reshaping urban spaces—from IoT and smart cities to selfie-friendly landmarks and bike-sharing apps—redefining how we move, connect, and experience our surroundings. Yet, amid this digital transformation, cities face challenges like gentrification and preserving their unique character, urging us to create urban spaces that are not only efficient but also vibrant, inclusive, and meaningful.
This week the Canvs R&E team has spent some time pondering this concept, let’s dive into some details.
Tech is changing the way Indian cities look
It’s 2016, and you hear about an exciting new game called Pokémon GO, where you can catch Pokémon scattered around your neighbourhood. All you need to do is step outside and use your phone’s camera to find these hidden creatures. What starts as a fun and intriguing game quickly evolves into a nationwide craze. Suddenly, people everywhere are exploring streets, parks, and local spots they’ve never noticed before, reviving forgotten public parks, as they flock to parks and gardens.
The Pokémon GO craze was just the beginning. Digital apps aren’t just changing how people interact with their surroundings — they’re reshaping the way cities are planned. As people increasingly rely on these services, cities are trying to keep up, making urban spaces more flexible and tech-friendly.
### Key takeaways from this read:
#### **1. Constant connectivity has a lot to do with infrastructural change
**
Cities are adapting to the challenges of digital dependence by integrating technology, like ground-level traffic lights and mobile phone lanes, to enhance safety and connectivity, reflecting a broader transformation towards interconnected urban spaces.
#### 2. The confluence of tech and urban life
Smart city initiatives, like India's Smart Cities Mission, use technology to improve infrastructure, public services, and quality of life. Examples include Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront, which blends smart planning with heritage, and Pune’s tech-driven solutions like smart lighting, bike-sharing, and city-wide Wi-Fi.
#### 3. Social media, urban aesthetics and some shortcomings
Social media is reshaping urban aesthetics, inspiring selfie-friendly landmarks, public art installations, and vibrant murals in overlooked spaces like Dharavi, which boost community pride and attract attention. Digital platforms drive demand for unique venues, reimagining public spaces as social hubs, but this revitalization often leads to gentrification, as seen in Lisbon's Alfama district, where rising rents threaten local authenticity.
📰 In other news
**[How 2024’s Tech Trends Changed Our Lives
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Why Does the US Want Google to Sell Its Chrome Browser?
The Internet Is Freaking Out Because ChatGPT Won’t Say the Name ‘David Mayer’
The UX of Lego Interface Panels
✨ Product find of the week
Tame Impala's Kevin Smith Creates an Idea Creator for Musicians
This synthesizer, made as a collab between Smith and telepathic instruments, is a powerful synth engine with that's designed to maximise your musical concepts. The synth is designed in a way where it takes away the concern of building the idea, and helping musicians focus on the quality of an idea.
Some highlights from the past month of D&T
The Right to Repair Movement Will Keep On Fixin
HPV Vaccination: How the World Can Eliminate Cervical Cancer
And that's the lot! Thanks for checking out what we had to share with you this week, we shall catch up with you next Wednesday. Incase you aren't subscribed to the newsletter, you could subscribe here.
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