Inspired by Jane Jacobs’s ‘eyes on the street’ idea, which put people back at the heart of city-making, “Eyes of the City” reflects on what happens when the urban landscape acquires the ability to observe us. Eight sections investigate the role that technology plays in our everyday urban life, improving people’s well-being, but potentially opening dystopian scenarios as well.
As tribute to Shenzhen’s role as “factory of the world”, all installations were produced locally and assembled on-site: blueprints are available online, in an open source platform. The main themes explored have also inspired a series of talks and panels that will bring more than 80 international and local speakers to Shenzhen.