Human Flourishing as a Way Forward in Smart, Learning, and Future Cities

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the notion of human flourishing in the context of urban life and the ambient in navigating a way forward for smart, learning, and future cities. As such, a review of the research literature is provided for human flourishing and for components such as connection, positivity, and resilience. Issues, controversies, and problems emerging from the literature review are highlighted informing the formulation of a conceptual framework for human flourishing in support of urban life and the ambient in smart cities. Using an exploratory case study approach combined with an explanatory correlational design, variables pertaining to the exploration are identified, and the nature of their relationship is assessed. Through the lens of human flourishing, focusing on urban connection, positivity, and resilience, urban life and the ambient is explored in navigating a way forward for smart cities while informing directions for future research and practice.