urban, cities, chaos, complexity, fractals, city, urban planning,urban studies, complexity theory, chaos theory, chaos, suburbs, sustainability, natural capital, Economic Crisis of 2008, Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Movement, direct democracy, participatory democracy, urban revitalization, cultural economy of cities, political economy of cities
05 January 2010
Permaculture for Urban Places
Very interesting perspective of urban life. A co-founder of City Repair explains how the organization takes a holistic prespective to urban revitlalization.
Introduction to Complexity Theory
Introduction to Complexity Science
author: Seth Bullock, University of Southampton, U.K
This is an introductory university lecture on complexity science.
Fractal Zoning
Thia is a video which presents its message without titles or other explanation other than animation and music. The beginning is somewhat obscure, but the network and comparison between natural and urban fractals is interesting.
Issues on the Emedded/Embodied Mind, Complexity and Urban Planning
In this blog section, I would like to start to develop a metaphorical link between the embedded or embodied mind and complexity theory. Some of my questions are:
1.What is the embedded or embodied mind?
2.Does the metaphorical context of complexity integrate with the embedded/embodied mind?
3.Can the embodied mind concept combined with the application of complexity theory aid in our understanding of urban areas and urban planning?
At the present time, I am in the process of exploring the provocative works of Andy Clark on this subject. An interesting review of Clark's book, Being There: Putting Brain, Body and World Together Again , is one by Gerard O’Brien entitled “The Mind: Embodied, Embedded, but not Extended” (Metascience 7:78-83 (1998)) and found on line at: http://cogprints.org/1451/0/Commentary_on_Clark_Being_There.pdf
If you of aware of other interesting research on the embedded mind, please contact me.
I am also in debt to my friend and colleague Dr. Vassil Anastassov, who is presently doing research on the embedded mind and language, for introducing me to these concepts.
1.What is the embedded or embodied mind?
2.Does the metaphorical context of complexity integrate with the embedded/embodied mind?
3.Can the embodied mind concept combined with the application of complexity theory aid in our understanding of urban areas and urban planning?
At the present time, I am in the process of exploring the provocative works of Andy Clark on this subject. An interesting review of Clark's book, Being There: Putting Brain, Body and World Together Again , is one by Gerard O’Brien entitled “The Mind: Embodied, Embedded, but not Extended” (Metascience 7:78-83 (1998)) and found on line at: http://cogprints.org/1451/0/Commentary_on_Clark_Being_There.pdf
If you of aware of other interesting research on the embedded mind, please contact me.
I am also in debt to my friend and colleague Dr. Vassil Anastassov, who is presently doing research on the embedded mind and language, for introducing me to these concepts.
29 December 2009
Complexity Theory Link and Brief Discusson on Future Blog Entries.
While researching for literature on the “embedded” or “embodied” mind, I stumbled upon a blog that discusses the subject(http://heroesnotzombies.wordpress.com/2009/04/10/supersizing-the-mind-andy-clark/) as well as complexity science/theory (http://heroesnotzombies.wordpress.com/complex-adaptive-systems/ ). I thought that these blog entries presented a good summary of both these tenets. For my view on complexity theory, go to http://www.tamuk.edu/geo/urbana/spring2008/mcadams.pdf .
In this article, I also list and describe the basic elements of complexity science/theory. I am finding that there are many authors that are incorporating complexity theory as an umbrella for their understanding of their field. Complexity theory is at the forefront of what I believe is a paradigm shift from the cosmology of modernism.
For those interested in my development or expansion of my thoughts on complexity theory, I am contemplating the linking of the concept of agents with that of the embedded/embodied mind. Being that the concepts of urban agents and environment are crucial to my theory, the inclusion of the embedded mind should be a major alteration, giving new insights to the urban decision-making process.
In this article, I also list and describe the basic elements of complexity science/theory. I am finding that there are many authors that are incorporating complexity theory as an umbrella for their understanding of their field. Complexity theory is at the forefront of what I believe is a paradigm shift from the cosmology of modernism.
For those interested in my development or expansion of my thoughts on complexity theory, I am contemplating the linking of the concept of agents with that of the embedded/embodied mind. Being that the concepts of urban agents and environment are crucial to my theory, the inclusion of the embedded mind should be a major alteration, giving new insights to the urban decision-making process.
26 December 2009
American Cities: Churning in a Tragic Vortex
Coming back from living in Istanbul, I can see the US afresh. Unfortunate, the urban problems have not changed. There is “churning” of the old ones: sprawl, congestion, energy, housing, poverty and economy mixed now with two relative new comers: sustainability and new urbanism; while being admirable are ill formed and idealistic. Always present is the lure of salvation from urban ills through technology. The new Obama Administration is trying to make a stab at the struggling urban environment, as indicated in their policy statement (see http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-policy ). However, this statement is certainly not one on the level of past initiatives by other Administrations. While Obama has far more experience with urban settings and more progressive than the Bush Administration, there is still something missing namely substance.
What are the elements that can bring cities back to the vibrancy that they once had? Or, is the city as we once knew it gone and transforming itself into a post-industrial “creature”, where: poverty is accepted, crime can be controlled by more police and prisons, homelessness can be created overnight., suburban development (including the “cookie cutter strip malls and covered malls) seems to be continually expanding, civic pride is only for the rich, economic segregation is increasing and the automobile continues to be forced on its residents. This “vortex” is not one that is chaotically leading to something better, but something worse. The dramatic decline in the housing market is indicative of the tragedy and the obliviousness of most of American society to the destructive nature of the forces in urban environments. There is a need for “creative destruction” (such as higher taxing on petroleum or elimination of municipal boundaries) to reverse these trends Will leaders come forth on a national or local level to bring about these changes? Or, will tragedy be the motivation for change, such as another energy crisis or bankruptcy of the national budget?
In the shadows, the element that is curtailing a transformation of cities is the burden (both monetarily and spiritually) of Iraq and Afghanistan. It is preventing the nation looking at the problems that are still existing in cities which must be partially addressed. This money if not devoted to these conflicts could have gone to ease the plight of cities. As it stands now, the debt will be crippling the ability of the Federal government to help cities for many years, maybe decades. Have we over-extended ourselves such that our national agendas are suffering? Will the US rot from the inside while the military is “protecting” it from terrorism? The latter is a looming possibility. While there are many prophets “crying in the wilderness” , including myself, no one is listening. Nevertheless, this “goddamerung” scenario is pointless and leads to melancholy on a national basis unless there is some viable options explored and initiative. Most have given up and have leaped into addictive consumerism to “inebriate” themselves, because they can not cope with these problems. In future blogs, I would like to address some of these issues in more detail and present possible solutions.
What are the elements that can bring cities back to the vibrancy that they once had? Or, is the city as we once knew it gone and transforming itself into a post-industrial “creature”, where: poverty is accepted, crime can be controlled by more police and prisons, homelessness can be created overnight., suburban development (including the “cookie cutter strip malls and covered malls) seems to be continually expanding, civic pride is only for the rich, economic segregation is increasing and the automobile continues to be forced on its residents. This “vortex” is not one that is chaotically leading to something better, but something worse. The dramatic decline in the housing market is indicative of the tragedy and the obliviousness of most of American society to the destructive nature of the forces in urban environments. There is a need for “creative destruction” (such as higher taxing on petroleum or elimination of municipal boundaries) to reverse these trends Will leaders come forth on a national or local level to bring about these changes? Or, will tragedy be the motivation for change, such as another energy crisis or bankruptcy of the national budget?
In the shadows, the element that is curtailing a transformation of cities is the burden (both monetarily and spiritually) of Iraq and Afghanistan. It is preventing the nation looking at the problems that are still existing in cities which must be partially addressed. This money if not devoted to these conflicts could have gone to ease the plight of cities. As it stands now, the debt will be crippling the ability of the Federal government to help cities for many years, maybe decades. Have we over-extended ourselves such that our national agendas are suffering? Will the US rot from the inside while the military is “protecting” it from terrorism? The latter is a looming possibility. While there are many prophets “crying in the wilderness” , including myself, no one is listening. Nevertheless, this “goddamerung” scenario is pointless and leads to melancholy on a national basis unless there is some viable options explored and initiative. Most have given up and have leaped into addictive consumerism to “inebriate” themselves, because they can not cope with these problems. In future blogs, I would like to address some of these issues in more detail and present possible solutions.
19 November 2009
Curitiba, Brazil
The concepts implemented in Curitiba are in alignment with my own on chaotic/complex and relational planning. As stated in my article and book chapter on this subject, a key element in bringing about change in a urban environment is a leader or shaman/urban planner who gives the vision for the city. Without Jaime Lerner,a one-time Mayor of Curitiba and urban planner, it would have developed in the same manner as other cities in Brazil. Go to the following link to learn some more about Mr. Leaner and his predecessor (who is coninuing and expanding Learner's vision) at http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/fellows/brazil1203/master-plan.html
There are several videos and books or book chapters related to Curitiba. If you click on the title for this blog segment, you will be directed to a video on YouTube on Curitiba. The most comprehensive book on this subject is Urban Brazil: Visions, Afflictions, and Governance Lessons by Dr. Ivani Vassoler-Froelich (Cambria Press).
A special volume of Urbana (http://www.tamuk.edu/geo/Urbana/ ) devoted entirely to Curitiba is planned in 2010. It will include invited authors, but the editorial board would also welcome manuscripts from others concerning the urban planning and policy of Curitiba.
There are several videos and books or book chapters related to Curitiba. If you click on the title for this blog segment, you will be directed to a video on YouTube on Curitiba. The most comprehensive book on this subject is Urban Brazil: Visions, Afflictions, and Governance Lessons by Dr. Ivani Vassoler-Froelich (Cambria Press).
A special volume of Urbana (http://www.tamuk.edu/geo/Urbana/ ) devoted entirely to Curitiba is planned in 2010. It will include invited authors, but the editorial board would also welcome manuscripts from others concerning the urban planning and policy of Curitiba.
12 November 2009
New Blog: The Urban Flaneur Guidebook
I have decided to start up a new blog for the exploration of urbanism in all its forms-The Urban Flaneur Guidebook (click on link above). The Urbanism Blog of Dr. Michael A. McAdams, will return to be more academic. While, the new blog will look at the urban environmnet through the eyes of a flaneur. What is a flaneur (o en Francais, flâneur)? A flaneur is one who wanders around with no apparent purpose observing her/his urban environment. It joins the rank of several urban flaneur blogs. My blog will atempt to link/review some the blogs as it relates to this new one, bring in new presectives through this broad perspective of urbanism, and cultivate/define/develop the concept of the urban flaneur. The wonderful thing is tha anybody can be an urban flaneur. You may already be an urban flaneur, but didn't know what to call yourself. Now, you can sound sophisiticated and join the ranks of this eclectic group.
In addition, the "A Farewell to Istanbul" series on this blog will be permentaly housed in this blog.
I hope that you will find this an enjoyable blog to read. I also welcome contributions and comments for this new blog. If you like the blog, please tell you friends about it
In addition, the "A Farewell to Istanbul" series on this blog will be permentaly housed in this blog.
I hope that you will find this an enjoyable blog to read. I also welcome contributions and comments for this new blog. If you like the blog, please tell you friends about it
26 May 2009
Call for Chapters: Local Democracy in Latin American Cities
CALL FOR CHAPTERS
We are seeking contributions for an edited volume focusing on experiences with local democracy in Latin American cities.
The book will address the subject of local democracy in Latin America, and more specifically the impact of participatory mechanisms at city level on intergovernmental relations, on public policymaking, on citizens’ empowerment and on the process of democratization itself. From the highly centralized government structures imposed during colonial times to the centralization and authoritarianism that prevailed during most of the 20th century, Latin American countries are now experiencing the emergence of local power, a consequence of democratization, and the process of political, administrative and fiscal decentralization. Legitimized by the popular vote with the enhanced autonomy to manage finances (due to constitutional transfers of funds and the freedom to create local taxes), mayors now have more prominence in national politics and subsequently municipal governments have more voice and resources to shape the development process.
Along with the strengthening of municipal governments, Latin Americans have witnessed, at the city level, the emergence of a variety of mechanisms intended to involve the population in the formation of local public policies. Thus, in many Latin American cities and towns, residents have now more channels of participation through participatory budgets, neighborhood councils, assemblies of citizens and other social movements that seek to intervene in the local decision-making process. In some cases, these citizens’ interventions are sponsored by local governments as the case of the participatory budgeting in the capital city, Porto Alegre, Brazil, where successive mayors promoted participatory budgeting, by allocating City Hall resources to assure the viability of the process.
While it is possible to assert that the empowerment of municipal governments and the popular participation in politics are, in principle, important steps to strengthen democracy, there is the need of a more encompassing vision of the change taking place in Latin America.
We are looking for chapters that take a theoretical or policy-oriented approach to the issue. Tentative chapter themes are:
Can we measure the impact of local democracy on the political development of Latin American countries? In other words, has participatory processes at city level contributed to the reduction of the democratic deficit in the region? What is the evidence in this regard?
Has local democracy - understood here as legitimate municipal governments with greater autonomy and citizen participation - contributed to a better provision of public services in Latin American cities? Case studies are encouraged.
Has participatory processes at the local level made a contribution to citizens’ empowerment? What evidence do we have to measure the empowerment?
What is the impact of local democracy in intergovernmental relations, i.e. relations between the central government, the provinces (states) and municipalities? In what measure popular organized interventions (participatory budgeting, neighborhood councils, assemblies of citizens) are in conflict with the institutions of representative democracy (city councils)?
What is the role played by international organizations in the process of strengthening local democracies in Latin America?
Is the emerging democracy and planning mechanisms in the urban areas of Latin America fostering a strategic planning environment that is differing significantly from the top down governing policies in its past?
Do the models of participatory and 'bottom-up” democracy being developed in urban areas in Latin America provide a model for other developing countries?
The goal is to advance the discussion of democratization in Latin America, focusing on the confluence between city governments’ actions and society participation. Our aim is to go beyond the description of cases or have simply an opinion: rather, we seek to obtain a rigorous analysis of each experience, in an attempt to determine the nature and consequences of this political change in the region. The cases should offer elements to establish similarities and variances regarding the scope of local democracies in Latin America – in some instances deep, in some instances incipient; the cases should demonstrate the different dimensions of local democracy across the region, and should reveal the varied impacts of local democracy on the countries under study. All case studies will be based on the methods of the social sciences inquiry – that is – establishing relationships between conditions and outcomes.
The Process:
The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2009
A chapter should consist of no more than 20,000 words, including text, endnotes, list of references, maps and graphs.
Language: Preferably in English. Texts in Spanish or Portuguese will also be considered.
APA citation format
Chapters will be selected through a blind review system
Please send chapter and vita to the editors:
Ivani Vassoler (ivani.vassoler@fredonia.edu)
Michael McAdams (mcadams@faith.edu.tr)
Ivani Vassoler, Ph.D., Political Science
Coordinator, International Studies Academic Program
State University of New York
Fredonia, New York 14063 USA
Michael McAdams, Ph.D., Urban Geography
Geography Department
Fatih University
34500 Büyükçekmece
Istanbul Turkey
We are seeking contributions for an edited volume focusing on experiences with local democracy in Latin American cities.
The book will address the subject of local democracy in Latin America, and more specifically the impact of participatory mechanisms at city level on intergovernmental relations, on public policymaking, on citizens’ empowerment and on the process of democratization itself. From the highly centralized government structures imposed during colonial times to the centralization and authoritarianism that prevailed during most of the 20th century, Latin American countries are now experiencing the emergence of local power, a consequence of democratization, and the process of political, administrative and fiscal decentralization. Legitimized by the popular vote with the enhanced autonomy to manage finances (due to constitutional transfers of funds and the freedom to create local taxes), mayors now have more prominence in national politics and subsequently municipal governments have more voice and resources to shape the development process.
Along with the strengthening of municipal governments, Latin Americans have witnessed, at the city level, the emergence of a variety of mechanisms intended to involve the population in the formation of local public policies. Thus, in many Latin American cities and towns, residents have now more channels of participation through participatory budgets, neighborhood councils, assemblies of citizens and other social movements that seek to intervene in the local decision-making process. In some cases, these citizens’ interventions are sponsored by local governments as the case of the participatory budgeting in the capital city, Porto Alegre, Brazil, where successive mayors promoted participatory budgeting, by allocating City Hall resources to assure the viability of the process.
While it is possible to assert that the empowerment of municipal governments and the popular participation in politics are, in principle, important steps to strengthen democracy, there is the need of a more encompassing vision of the change taking place in Latin America.
We are looking for chapters that take a theoretical or policy-oriented approach to the issue. Tentative chapter themes are:
Can we measure the impact of local democracy on the political development of Latin American countries? In other words, has participatory processes at city level contributed to the reduction of the democratic deficit in the region? What is the evidence in this regard?
Has local democracy - understood here as legitimate municipal governments with greater autonomy and citizen participation - contributed to a better provision of public services in Latin American cities? Case studies are encouraged.
Has participatory processes at the local level made a contribution to citizens’ empowerment? What evidence do we have to measure the empowerment?
What is the impact of local democracy in intergovernmental relations, i.e. relations between the central government, the provinces (states) and municipalities? In what measure popular organized interventions (participatory budgeting, neighborhood councils, assemblies of citizens) are in conflict with the institutions of representative democracy (city councils)?
What is the role played by international organizations in the process of strengthening local democracies in Latin America?
Is the emerging democracy and planning mechanisms in the urban areas of Latin America fostering a strategic planning environment that is differing significantly from the top down governing policies in its past?
Do the models of participatory and 'bottom-up” democracy being developed in urban areas in Latin America provide a model for other developing countries?
The goal is to advance the discussion of democratization in Latin America, focusing on the confluence between city governments’ actions and society participation. Our aim is to go beyond the description of cases or have simply an opinion: rather, we seek to obtain a rigorous analysis of each experience, in an attempt to determine the nature and consequences of this political change in the region. The cases should offer elements to establish similarities and variances regarding the scope of local democracies in Latin America – in some instances deep, in some instances incipient; the cases should demonstrate the different dimensions of local democracy across the region, and should reveal the varied impacts of local democracy on the countries under study. All case studies will be based on the methods of the social sciences inquiry – that is – establishing relationships between conditions and outcomes.
The Process:
The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2009
A chapter should consist of no more than 20,000 words, including text, endnotes, list of references, maps and graphs.
Language: Preferably in English. Texts in Spanish or Portuguese will also be considered.
APA citation format
Chapters will be selected through a blind review system
Please send chapter and vita to the editors:
Ivani Vassoler (ivani.vassoler@fredonia.edu)
Michael McAdams (mcadams@faith.edu.tr)
Ivani Vassoler, Ph.D., Political Science
Coordinator, International Studies Academic Program
State University of New York
Fredonia, New York 14063 USA
Michael McAdams, Ph.D., Urban Geography
Geography Department
Fatih University
34500 Büyükçekmece
Istanbul Turkey
30 April 2009
A New Paper for ISA-ABRI Conferece 2009:Urban Morphology/form and Security
I am finishing up a paper on urban morphology/form and urban security for the ISA-ABRI Conference to held 22-23 July 2009 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (http://www.isanet.org/rio2009/). I would be curious if anyone has comments on this subject among my limited readership.
I hope to share a draft version of this paper later in my blog.
I hope to share a draft version of this paper later in my blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)