As tech companies strive for political dominance and the widespread use of AI advances in more and more institutions and areas of public life, a critical intersectional perspective on the questionable promises of “digital solutionism” is becoming increasingly important. One of those areas is the management of life in cities. The city of Zurich, in particular, has developed into a global center of the digital platform economy in recent years. But how do the technology-driven solutions offered by major tech companies relate to the conflictual democratic debate about a livable future for our cities? And more broadly, what sorts of urban life are being imagined when digital corporations proffer their visions for cities?
Gillian Rose discusses digital solutionism, the problematic visions of the digital city, and her analysis of “City Digital Twins” with Roland Meyer.
The ZKK Talk Series 2025 approaches the critique of solutionism by bringing together approaches from different disciplines and contexts.
The event will be held in English.
Venue: Cabaret Voltaire
Spiegelgasse 1, 8001 Zürich