Across the world medium-sized cities outnumber capital cities in both quantity and gross population. They are however, historically overlooked. In a digital and interconnected age they have the potential to by-pass capitals and challenge the hegemony of central economic and political organisations. They can form networks more complex and numerous than the standard group of connected ‘global cities’ and can become self-sustained economically and culturally.

In this context, the present conference asks what are the implications of our digital times on the civic, cultural, economic and urban forum of medium-sized city.

In every country in the world medium-sized cities out number capital cities in both quantity and gross population. They are however, historically overlooked. In a digital and interconnected age these cities have the potential to by-pass capitals and challenge the hegemony of central economic and political organisations. They can form networks vastly more complex, intricate and numerous than the now standard group of connected ‘global cities’; can become self-sustained economically and culturally; and forge forward with new ideas in their specialist fields.

In this context, the present conference focuses on

  • how the medium sized cities from across the world are adapting to the economies, practices and infrastructures of the digital age;
  • how the interaction and communication of the digital message is reframing life in these cities, whether new or old;
  • and how the digitization of the urban arena is changing the reality of the representation of city life.

In short, it asks what the implications are of the digital times in which we live on the civic, cultural, economic and urban forum of the medium-sized city.

It welcomes the participation of architects, planners, activists, artists, technologists, animators, filmmakers, cultural studies experts, programmers, gamers and more.

Formats:

  • Conference presentations;
  • written papers;
  • films;
  • photo essays,
  • workshops,
  • e-exhibition.
  • In-person and virtual presentations (via Skype, etc.) welcome.

Publications:

  • Conference proceedings online;
  • Book publications in print;
  • Special Issues of the Architecture_MPS journal.

Publisher: Intellect Books

For more information: conference[at]architecturemps.com