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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 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


Kindness: The Evolutionary Leap Beyond Fear in Uncertain Times
Kindness: our evolutionary leap beyond fear. In facing climate change and global unrest, compassion is our strongest ally

afkar collective
Jan 203 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


Redefining Urban Priorities: From Human-Centric to Life-Centric
Rethinking urban priorities: From a myopic human-centric lens to a life-centric framework that elevates the diverse web of urban ecosystems.

afkar collective
Dec 9, 20242 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


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


Ecosystemic Thinking in a Post-Stable Climate: Preparing for the Unthinkable
Ecosystemic thinking: our key to survival. Old rules gone, climate chaos looms. Adapt or perish in this new world.

afkar collective
Oct 31, 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


Innovation Ecosystems: How Local Communities Drive Global Success
Local innovation ecosystems: Where community-driven creativity sparks global change. Discover how your backyard could be the next big thing.

afkar collective
Oct 2, 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


Unleashing Innovation in the Middle East: Confronting the Paradox of Risk Aversion
Middle East's innovation held back by risk aversion. Overcoming cultural, regulatory barriers critical to unleash entrepreneurship.

afkar collective
Sep 16, 20243 min read


Emerging Innovation Frontiers: Reimagining Progress in a Post-Growth World
Innovation's new frontiers circular economy, biomimicry, social innovation, regenerative design, decentralized & wellbeing-focused approach

afkar collective
Sep 12, 20243 min read


The Hidden Costs of Commodifying Innovation: How the Race for Quick Wins Stifles Breakthrough Technologies
Commodifying innovation hinders breakthroughs, favoring quick wins over transformative technologies.

afkar collective
Sep 9, 20243 min read


The Truth, The Likely Falsehood, and The Post-Modern: Unmasking the AI Illusion
AI lacks moral agency. LLMs simulate truth, detached from reality. Their unchecked use widens the truth-fiction divide, risking catastrophe.

afkar collective
Sep 3, 20242 min read
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