The «Kultur einer Digitalstadt» initiative explores the integration of digital transformation into the local cultural landscape. This creates opportunities to develop humanistic approaches to the progressive digitalisation of urban service layers, while building on a rich tradition of critical discourse established by the Darmstädter Gespräche (1950-1975). These historic dialogues, which brought together leading thinkers to discuss urbanisation, technology and human values, provide a crucial foundation for understanding how digital innovation can serve cultural and social urban needs rather than just technical efficiency.

Post-Efficiency Transformation
In the context of post-growth scenarios, the cultural landscape gains significance through the rediscovery of society’s cultural productivity. The «Kultur einer Digitalstadt» initiative explores how ongoing digitalisation can make visible and strengthen existing cultural patterns, continuing the critical tradition of the Darmstädter Gespräche in examining the role of technology in urban life.

Intergenerational Dynamics
The combination of digital literacy and cultural heritage enables new forms of intergenerational knowledge transfer: while younger generations contribute digital expertise, older generations have valuable cultural and social knowledge. Digital tools can make visible and encourage this mutual enrichment, while inclusive policies help to bridge the digital divide.

Climate Resilience
Integrating digital innovation with socio-cultural practices enables new forms of climate adaptation rooted in community behaviours. This alternative smart city approach uses digital tools to foster climate-resilient communities and develop new forms of collective engagement with climate challenges. Technological solutions are not seen as replacements, but as amplifiers of existing socio-cultural adaptation strategies.