Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an introduction and background to the concept of urban life generally and in relation to evolving understandings of smart cities. A review of the research literature is provided for urban life, smart cities, learning cities, and future cities identifying issues, controversies, and problems. The literature review enables formulation of a conceptual framework for urban life and the ambient in smart cities which is then operationalized for use in responding to the range of issues, controversies, and problems identified in the research literature. Using an exploratory case study approach involving survey and in-depth interviews, a series of research questions are developed for exploration as propositions, chapter-by-chapter in this book. Combining an explanatory correlational design with a case study approach, variables are identified for exploration, pertaining to urban life and smart cities in this chapter and the chapters that follow, informing directions for research and practice.