The Chaotic, Fractal and Complex City

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 ...

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 transfor...