The Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture of Hong Kong and Shenzhen that opens this December is set to become "the first exhibition to use Facial Recognition and Artificial Intelligence on its own premises," according to biennale chief curator Carlo Ratti. The focus is created "in order to prompt a critical reflection on how digital technologies are impacting urban life," a press release from Carlo Ratti Associati explains.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology-based architect aims to "explore the new urban condition of cities that can 'see'" with the exhibition focus, which will inform a linear exhibition space situated within a high-speed railway station in Shenzhen that connects Mainland China with Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong has been gripped by powerful protests in recent months as the public there struggles against attempts by China to imposition of its legal jurisdiction on the island, which is supposed to enjoy administrative and economic autonomy. Throughout the events, protestors have often taken aim at surveillance infrastructure in the city, including so-called "smart sensors."

"As digital technology increasingly permeates our cities, railway stations are one of the public spaces that are likely to experience the strongest shift,” continues Ratti. “For a long time, stations have been places where one could experience urban anonymity at its highest form. Already today, they are becoming examples of a built environment that is able to recognize and respond to us in real-time. In stations as well as in airports, we can already observe what an Eyes of the City scenario might look like and start a critical reflection about it.”

At the event, visitors will have their faces scanned at two "info points" designed by MVRDV. However, the release states, "everything will be based on transparency: cameras will be highlighted throughout the space and visitors who not wish to be recognized will wear a special mark on their face to remain anonymous, signaling their stance to others." Ratti added in a statement, “It is vital that we have the ability to opt-out, not only online, but also in the space of the digitally-augmented city."

The Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture of Hong Kong and Shenzhen opens December 2019. Exhibitors include: Dominique Perrault Architecture, Future Firm, Jeanne Gang, Thomas Heatherwick, Terreform ONE, Meejin Yoon, Liam Young, and SWA Group.