The City as a System

Complex problems do not always require far-fetched solutions, but in order to arrive at a solution a change of perspective may be needed. Making such a change in the study of the urban environment is what ‘The City as a System’ advocates. Designers who want to improve the functioning of the city and solve tricky urban problems cannot afford to focus on its spatial manifestation alone, but should research the underlying system – the operation, use, and performance of the urban fabric. The metabolism of the city should be viewed as that of a living organism, where much of our resource use culminates. This has a crucial role in transitioning to a more sustainable living environment.