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Navigating the Tension Between Bits and Atoms in Our Cities
Cities evolve: Bits meet bricks. Can we bridge the digital-physical divide for smarter, more humane urban spaces?
afkar collective
Feb 252 min read


The Energy Race within AI Development
AI's energy demand sparks a shift to nuclear and renewables, challenging sustainability and tech goals.
afkar collective
Feb 112 min read


The Paradox of Alignment: AI as an Amplifier of Human Will
AI amplifies human will, reshaping our perspectives while challenging alignment with diverse human values
afkar collective
Feb 63 min read


Revolutionizing Public Infrastructure: A Bold Ecosystemic Approach for Radical Impact
As urbanization, climate change, and disparities rise, we must adopt ecosystemic thinking for sustainable infrastructure.
afkar collective
Jan 145 min read


The Mirage of Digital Reality: Rethinking Our Perception Through Technology
Digital twins: mirrors or mirages? Our tech-mediated reality risks oversimplifying complex systems, blinding us to crucial truths.
afkar collective
Dec 16, 20243 min read


Nature as Infrastructure: Creating Resilient Solutions for Tomorrow
Embracing nature as infrastructure offers cost-effective, resilient solutions for communities facing environmental challenges.
afkar collective
Nov 21, 20243 min read


Carbon Markets at COP29: An Ecosystemic Perspective on Unresolved Challenges
Carbon markets at COP29: Progress masks unresolved issues. Ecosystemic approach needed for effective climate action.
afkar collective
Nov 18, 20242 min read


Rethinking Urban Innovation: Beyond the Hype of AI and Tech-Driven 'Solutions'
The focus on cutting-edge tech must not overshadow social disparities and environmental injustices in urban landscapes.
afkar collective
Nov 13, 20242 min read


The Importance of Speculative Design for Urban Life Regeneration in a Post-Stable Climatic Age
Speculative design: reimagining cities for a changing climate, fostering innovation in urban regeneration and resilience
afkar collective
Nov 11, 20243 min read


Grassroots Innovation: How Communities Are Reshaping Urban Regeneration
Communities drive innovation in Iztapalapa's Utopias, turning local knowledge into creative solutions for urban challenges
afkar collective
Nov 6, 20243 min read


Rebuilding Hope: Translating Iztapalapa's Utopias to Post-Conflict and Post-Disaster Contexts
Iztapalapa's Utopias offer a blueprint for rebuilding: community-driven, multifunctional spaces foster resilience and healing.
afkar collective
Oct 28, 20243 min read


Bridging the Metaverse Divide: Ensuring Digital Inclusion in an Emerging Virtual World
As we stand on the brink of a new digital frontier, the metaverse promises to revolutionize how we interact, work, and play. This...
afkar collective
Oct 12, 20243 min read


Biotech Urbanism: Harnessing Nature's Wisdom for Future Cities
Biotech Urbanism fuses nature and technology, reimagining cities as living ecosystems.
afkar collective
Oct 8, 20243 min read


Rethinking Placemaking: An Ecosystem Approach Centering Non-Human Stakeholders
Rethinking placemaking through an ecosystem lens - designing urban spaces that prioritize non-human stakeholders
afkar collective
Sep 20, 20243 min read


Bridging the Gap: Reconnecting Bits and Atoms in Modern Urban Development
Cities trapped by outdated codes: The urgent need to bridge digital innovation and physical infrastructure for smarter, sustainable cities.
afkar collective
Sep 18, 20243 min read


Bits, Atoms, SynBio, and the Future of Cities
SynBio merges bits and atoms, transforming cities with sustainable materials and living infrastructure.
afkar collective
Aug 29, 20243 min read


The Digital-Physical Divide: Urban Technology's Struggle to Keep Pace with Climate Change's
Cities race ahead digitally but lag physically. Climate change exposes risks of outdated infrastructure. We must innovate in atoms.
afkar collective
Aug 26, 20243 min read


Climate Adaptation: Digital Twins vs. Traditional Modeling - Choosing the Right Path for Urban Resilience
Cities face climate challenges. Digital twins offer precision but are costly. Traditional modeling provides practical, accessible solutions
afkar collective
Aug 16, 20243 min read


Adapting Infrastructure for Resilience: Embracing Graceful Degradation and Biophilic Design in a Changing Climate
Climate change is transforming our weather patterns and increasing natural disasters. Our infrastructure, designed for stable conditions, is
afkar collective
Aug 14, 20243 min read


Digital Architecture Infrastructure Design for Future-Ready Cities
Incorporate Digital Architecture Infrastructure Design in city planning to boost connectivity, economic growth, and sustainability.
afkar collective
Aug 7, 20243 min read
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