This course provides students with a set of interweaving and interdisciplinary concepts across the social sciences regarding the what, the how and the why regarding the implementation of technology on urban sustainability issues. Topics to be covered include (i.) sustainability in cities, particularly in the context of environmental and climate change; (ii.) the role of technology in enhancing and disrupting “normal” ways of life in the city, through the use of shared riding/food delivery apps, and social media and (iii.) how technology applied judiciously can enhance liveability and livelihoods for a wide range of urban residents who are both technology-savvy and residents uncomfortable using technology. Students will gain an understanding of how selected industries consider and apply these technologies towards urban sustainability issues. While there will be some in-class meetings to discuss theoretical concepts, learning will be primarily experiential in nature through class discussion, group exercises, and a team project. Guest speakers with practical and industrial experience may be invited as well. The course project will work with an industry sponsor or sponsors (Equinix for T1, 2023/2024). Students are expected to conceive solutions addressing a defined problem statement, related to an aspect of urban sustainability with societal impact, and in accordance to the real-world needs of the industry sponsor(s).
By the end of this course, students will be able to understand how urban sustainability requires linkages and networks across different disciplines, and that industries and their decision making play a significant role in maintaining urban sustainability both locally and in a larger regional context. Students will also understand how applications of technology and society require not just scientific and social scientific considerations, but also ethical reflections that are strongly relevant towards sustainability.