COMPLEXITY 


1. Introduction to Complexity in Planning

  • Definition: Complexity in planning refers to the understanding and management of cities and urban systems as complex adaptive systems (CAS). It involves recognizing the dynamic, interconnected, and emergent properties of urban environments and developing strategies to engage constructively with this complexity.

2. Key Readings and Theories

  • Rauws, W. (2016): "Civic Initiatives in Urban Development: Self-Governance versus Self-Organisation in Planning Practice"

    • Self-Governance: Refers to the deliberate and coordinated actions by citizens or groups to manage and develop urban areas.

    • Self-Organisation: Refers to the spontaneous emergence of patterns and structures in urban areas without central coordination.

  • Silva, P. (2016): "Tactical Urbanism: Towards an Evolutionary Cities’ Approach"

    • Tactical Urbanism: Involves small-scale, temporary interventions in urban spaces to test ideas and engage communities.

    • Evolutionary Approach: Emphasizes the adaptability and resilience of urban systems through incremental changes and experimentation.

3. Understanding Complexity in Planning

  • Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS):

    • Cities are viewed as CAS, where numerous agents interact in dynamic and non-linear ways.

    • Emergent properties arise from local interactions, leading to spontaneous order and self-organisation.

  • Self-Governance vs. Self-Organisation:

    • Self-Governance: Involves intentional and coordinated efforts by citizens or groups to manage urban development.

    • Self-Organisation: Involves spontaneous and unplanned emergence of patterns and structures in urban areas.

  • Key Characteristics of CAS:

    • Adaptability: The ability of urban systems to adjust and respond to changes.

    • Emergence: The spontaneous formation of new patterns and structures from local interactions.

    • Non-Linearity: The presence of feedback loops and non-linear relationships among components of the system.

4. Tactical Urbanism and Evolutionary Approach

  • Tactical Urbanism:

    • Involves small-scale, temporary interventions in urban spaces to test ideas and engage communities.

    • Examples include pop-up parks, street closures for events, and temporary bike lanes.

  • Evolutionary Approach:

    • Emphasizes the adaptability and resilience of urban systems through incremental changes and experimentation.

    • Encourages continuous learning and adaptation based on feedback from interventions.

  • Examples of Tactical Urbanism:

    • Parklets: Temporary installations that convert parking spaces into public spaces.

    • Pop-Up Parks: Temporary green spaces created in urban areas to provide recreational opportunities.

5. Examples and Applications

  • Case Study: Groningen:

    • A group of 12 citizens collaborated with an architecture firm to develop a project with the support of the municipality.

    • The municipality provided standards, resources, and regulations to guide the project.

  • Case Study: Oosterwold:

    • An experiment in organic development where citizens were responsible for roads, waste, and sewage management.

    • Emphasized self-organisation and community-driven development.

  • Guest Lecture: Complexity and Self-Organisation in Urban Planning

    • Discusses the application of complexity theory and self-organisation principles in urban planning.

6. Key Concepts in Complexity Planning

  • Self-Governance:

    • Establishing conditions, inspiring, and empowering citizens to take an active role in urban development.

    • Setting boundaries and providing frameworks for self-governance.

  • Self-Organisation:

    • Discovering emerging patterns and enabling positive effects through regulations.

    • Mitigating negative effects and fostering continuous adaptation.

  • Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS):

    • Understanding cities as CAS with dynamic interactions and emergent properties.

    • Developing strategies to engage constructively with urban complexity.