“AI City” is the name of the ideal city. A future already under construction but set to become a “paradise” not only for humans but also for all other forms of life: plants, animals and even artificial life. Here’s how and where it will be.
“AI City”, the perfect city for the future
Man is always wondering about the future of cities and how a perfect city could be. The first one to think of an ideal city was Plato. Yet, only in the 16th century Thomas More conceived the term “utopia”. Since that moment, a series of philosophers and architects have tried to conceive a utopian city, often also to criticize their contemporary reality. This led to the project of “Al City”, an ideal city already under construction.
# AI City, the ideal city of the future, is a great “smartphone”
The perfect city has not been found yet. Thus, Bjarke Ingels – founder of the BIG studio – and Victor Ai – founder and CEO of Terminus Group – presented the project for a smart city. In their vision, the ideal city of the future. The two creators decided to present the project at the Web Summit 2020, that defined as the “conclave of the high priests of technology”. Where will this futuristic project arise? Obviously in China, in Chongqing, the most populated city in the world.
In reality the city, however futuristic, has already begun to be a concrete reality. Works for Al City began in April 2020, and will give life to a paradise not only for humans but also for all other forms of life. Plants, animals and even artificial life will be here welcome and cherished.
It’s interesting to see how the two designers described AI. “It’s a big smartphone”. This definition deliberately recalls the reality that awaits us in the years to come. By 2025, over 75 billion devices will have access to the Internet, and interconnection will be the core of every socio-cultural sphere.
# Not just digitalization: there will be a symbiosis between man, nature and technology
Although designed to be equipped with artificial intelligence, a central aspect in AI architecture is the “ecological coexistence between man, nature, climate and technology”. The buildings with curved roofs recall the profile of a mountain. And, there are internal courtyards with offices and public services without a physical barrier between nature, buildings and artificial intelligence.
Gardens and monumental trees sprout here and there in spaces, some covered and others uncovered. The icing on the cake is a large covered hanging garden. It may look like a simple garden, but at sunset it turns into the largest digital display in China.
There will be a large technology park hosting sporting events, art exhibitions and product fairs. The ecological price of all this would be very high yet, happily, efficient alternative solutions are ready to prevent the risk . Mobility in Al City will be completely sustainable and intelligent, with e-bikes and robotic vehicles. And there would be no need for alternate number plates or restricted traffic zones.
# A technological city but on a human scale
Now you may think that the ideal city of the future will be cold, impersonal. Perhaps, even ruled by robots that will slowly take our place. But, no. Technology will only be on a human scale and the architect states that “the doors of the city open automatically because they know who you are, hospitality is made up of machines, but it is very welcoming”.
It will also be an attempt to rebuild those social relationships that in large metropolis are often lost and remain only in small towns. The city will be “like a village where everyone knows and greets each other”. For this purpose there will be cafes and small markets, to allow people to create meeting places and socializing.
ROSITA GIULIANO
