With more than half of the world’s population living in urban areas, there’s a growing interest in developing smarter, safer, and more sustainable cities that are responsive to their citizens. While smart city solutions typically focus on digital enhancements to existing urban infrastructure, the MIT Media Lab Beyond Smart Cities: Emerging Design and Technology online short course goes beyond optimizations. Over six weeks, you’ll explore ways in which disruptive technology can dramatically improve planning, design, and management of contemporary cities for a more resilient future. Guided by MIT faculty, you’ll discover how technologies like data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), new urban systems, real-time simulations, and predictive urban design can be leveraged to realize more entrepreneurial, high-performance, and livable urban communities.

This online course is designed for professionals interested in urban planning and design, who are seeking ways to transform cities for a more sustainable and vibrant future. With a focus on technology and data, the program is particularly relevant to those who are focused on designing, investing in, and delivering smart city solutions.