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...

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...

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 wi...

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 subsequentl...

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.

Dear Blog Readers A new volume of Urbana has now been posted. Please click on the above link to read the articles. As always, I think that you will find the articles interesting and of high quality. If there are any comments, please send them to mmcadams_fatih@yahoo.com . We will soon be assembling a new volume for Fall and would be interested to receive any article related to urbanism . We publish in both Spanish and English.