
AI and Language in the Urban Context
Conversational Artificial Intelligence in Cities
Richard Coyne(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 7. April 2025
Book
Hardback
268 pages
978-1-032-87992-5 (ISBN)
Description
In a world influenced increasingly by artificial intelligence (AI), the city emerges as a dynamic hub of digital conversations. AI and Language in the Urban Context offers a novel exploration of how AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), is transforming urban environments. Moving beyond the typical technological narratives, this book draws on the author's unique expertise in design, semiotics and hermeneutics to present a critical cultural perspective on AI's role in the city.
Focusing on the intersection of urban theory and AI, the book reveals how conversational AI is reshaping social interactions, decision-making processes, and media in urban spaces. By merging practical knowledge of AI algorithms with an understanding of urban practices, the author highlights the opportunities and challenges AI presents for modern cities.
This book is essential for anyone interested in the future of urban living. It provides a deep dive into the technical, social and cultural implications of AI in cities, offering practical examples and philosophical insights. Readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI is influencing the design, governance and dynamics of urban life in the digital age.
The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.
Focusing on the intersection of urban theory and AI, the book reveals how conversational AI is reshaping social interactions, decision-making processes, and media in urban spaces. By merging practical knowledge of AI algorithms with an understanding of urban practices, the author highlights the opportunities and challenges AI presents for modern cities.
This book is essential for anyone interested in the future of urban living. It provides a deep dive into the technical, social and cultural implications of AI in cities, offering practical examples and philosophical insights. Readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI is influencing the design, governance and dynamics of urban life in the digital age.
The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.
Reviews / Votes
"AI and Language in the Urban Context is a bold and interdisciplinary book that reimagines cities as linguistic ecosystems deeply intertwined with conversational AI. Its critical reflections, philosophical depth, and cultural sensitivity distinguish it from mainstream "smart city" narratives. Its theoretical contribution is undeniable: it challenges us to rethink AI not only as a technical infrastructure but as a semiotic actor in the drama of urban life. For readers across disciplines, Coyne's book is a valuable provocation-inviting us to see the city as a conversational entity where meaning, narrative, and technology continually coproduce the urban future."Review in AI and Society Journal
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Postgraduate, Professional Practice & Development, and Undergraduate Advanced
Illustrations
9 s/w Tabellen, 33 s/w Abbildungen, 17 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 16 s/w Zeichnungen
9 Tables, black and white; 16 Line drawings, black and white; 17 Halftones, black and white; 33 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
590 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-87992-5 (9781032879925)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
04/2025
Routledge
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Available for download

E-Book
04/2025
Routledge
€0.00
Available for download

Book
04/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€57.80
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Richard Coyne is Emeritus Professor of Architectural Computing at the University of Edinburgh, where his research explores the intersections of digital technology, urban environments and architecture.
Content
Introduction: From computer-aided design to conversational AI 1. Language as urban technology 2. Scripting the city 3. Core functions of LLMs in the urban context 4. Tuning the city 5. Tokenization 6. The meaning and use of words 7. Context windows 8. Time and order 9. The attention economy 10. Urban actors 11. Panpsychic city 12. The end of cities 13. Epilogue: Romancing the conversational city Glossary and Appendices