Ecologies of Cities

Ecologies of Cities – A Preliminary Workshop

This workshop involves reading the city as an ecosystem, in particular a “novel ecosystem” in which landscapes have been altered irrevocably due to human activity (with changes only accelerating since the rise of industrialization). We will dedicate particular attention to MENA cities as case study examples of novel ecosystems. We will examine the impact of climate change on cities and the need to develop strategies of urban adaptation and resilience, strategies that take into consideration local economies, cultures, planning and politics. Workshop participants will gain appreciation of a systems-based approach to design at the micro-urban scale that entails dramatically improving environmental quality and providing more equitable access to resources (water, food, energy as examples) for all members of a given urban community as a fundamental right. The workshop embeds opportunities to develop communication skills, visual and otherwise, as we speculate about urban systems and urban futures.

Learning Outcomes:
•       Understanding of the city as an ecosystem, in particular a “novel ecosystem” in which landscapes have been altered irrevocably due to human activity (with changes only accelerating since the rise of industrialization). We will dedicate particular attention to MENA cities as case study examples of novel ecosystems.
•       Gain appreciation of a systems-based approach to design at the micro-urban scale that entails dramatically improving environmental quality and providing more equitable access to resources (water, food, energy) for all members of a given urban community as a fundamental right.
•       Development of communication skills, visual and otherwise, in speculating about urban systems and urban futures.