The Chaotic, Fractal and Complex City

Many urban areas seem to be “churning in the vortex” of chronic problems of underemployment, deindustrialization, and population decline. The lack of coordination between different levels of government, the business community, non-profit organizations and citizens are at the root of these problems. Long range plans can be developed, but are useless without a consensus among decision-makers. It would appear that what makes successful cities is a leader with a vision and who has the ability to form coalitions across many diverse groups. These ideas are founded on those of Patsy Healey (Emeritus Professor at the University of Newcastle (UK)) and Jaime Learner (urban planner, former mayor of Curitiba, Brazil, and consultant). The notion is that successful changes in urban environment must “disturb the vortex” that is upset the present way of doing things in an urban area. Disturbing the vortex consists of seemingly “radical” actions that put an urban area on a new path. This may be s...

David Korowicz - Complexity, Economy, Civilisation & Collapse from Feasta on Vimeo .

In tribal societies, the shaman would cover him/herself with animal clothing to symbolism transformation from a human form to an animal one. This was to change the perceptions of the participants of rituals to think in different realities. In shamanistic societies, animal spirits take on the role of transformer and dispenser of wisdom. In modern day societies, we have individuals that provide urban residents with transforming visions to go from the present to a future reality. The first step for urban transformation, is to make citizens and decision-makers dream. It is unfortunate that these leaders are not as prevalent as would be desired. Elected and non-elected officials (such as urban planners) confuse and keep obsololete ideas and actions churning interrelated vortexes which are losing their energy. Such is the case with many urban issues including energy, the environment and social justice in urbanized areas. There is a need for “urban shamans” who “dance” the visions of a ...