On its third edition, Smart City is increasingly active and destined to grow in time. And its beginning on 13th March along with the Digital week, with the presence of Council Member Roberta Cocco, has a precise meaning. “It is human friendly Information technology that communicates with design” explains Emilio Genovesi CEO of Material ConneXion Italia and creator, with Chairman Rodrigo Rodriguez, of the exhibition. Technology must communicate with humans and Smart City is a reflection on topics of the future, on how to live urban areas. However, it does not want to propose an example of a sustainable city such as the ones that already exist in various countries, but points out a “latin way” to smart cities. Therefore a city that adjust to change, but just like Italian design adjusted to times, besides being functional, it has to focus on beauty, in every way. Young ones are the first “recipients” of Smart City.

“We need to intrigue them, provoke them, tell them what companies do and how they work with digital” continues Giulio Ceppi, curator of the exhibition. And in fact, after a more emotional section at the entrance, there are real examples or reports of developing projects where new technologies commit to tradition. The pragmatic approach suits new generations. According to sociologist Francesco Morace, the subject of sustainability and environmental awareness has been dealt with for years by an élite of intellectuals, who lived in prosperity. It was something ideological, usually a way to protest against a kind of system.

“From what emerged in research – continues Morace - for young people it is a real problem that must get to the point. It is not something for the purposes of a clear conscience, but an issue to be dealt with urgently”. And the campaign of the sixteen years old Greta Thunberg, with all its follow-up, is the confirmation. The changes in our daily routine and how technology has become a tool of symbiosis and empathy, during the whole exhibition, have been and will be the core of workshops, case histories, conferences, debates, seminars.