On the History and Potentials of Evolutionary Metaphors in Urban Planning

Mehmood, Abid

doi:10.1177/1473095209346495

Cited by 38 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 90 publications

(127 reference statements)

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“…A systems approach to the analysis of human–environment relations, proponents argue, enables capturing and interpreting the full complexity of urban systems (Grimm et al. ; Mehmood ; Newman ). They attempted to develop a holistic understanding of the emergent properties and complexities of living systems by “looking at the relationships and interactions between parts, seeking to devise solutions that are integrative rather than merely reductionist” (Newman and Jennings , 92).…”

Section: The City As An Ecosystemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Urban Metabolism

Broto¹,

Allen²,

Rapoport³

2012

J of Industrial Ecology

311

152

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Summary The concept of urban metabolism, referring to the exchange processes that produce the urban environment, has inspired new ways of thinking about how cities can be made sustainable and has also raised criticisms about the specific social and economic arrangements in which some forms of flow are prioritized or marginalized within the city. This article explores how the concept of urban metabolism travels across disciplines, using a comparative analysis of different approaches to urban metabolism within industrial ecology, urban ecology, ecological economics, political economy and political ecology. The analysis reveals six main themes emerging within interdisciplinary boundaries in relation to urban metabolism, and how this concept enables new understandings of (1) the city as an ecosystem, (2) material and energy flows within the city, (3) economic–material relations within the city, (4) economic drivers of rural–urban relationships, (5) the reproduction of urban inequality, and (6) attempts at resignifying the city through new visions of socioecological relationships. The article suggests potential areas for cross‐disciplinary synergies around the concept of urban metabolism and opens up avenues for industrial ecology to engage with the politics and the governance of urban development by examining the city and its metabolism.

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Section: The City As An Ecosystemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Urban Metabolism

Broto¹,

Allen²,

Rapoport³

2012

J of Industrial Ecology

311

152

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“…It is no surprise then, that many socially innovative actions may appear to be reactive rather than proactive, in the sense of offering a response to the unfulfilled needs of communities or to situations of crises, to improve social relations and foster socio-political emancipation (Mehmood 2015). In this respect, social innovation also exhibits an evolutionary character (Mehmood 2010), whereby socially creative agendas and strategies become embedded within institutional dynamics. Institutions themselves, however, are prone to social change that can catalyse -positively or negatively -social innovation policy and practice.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Institutional forms of social innovation

Mehmood

2016

IJISD

Self Cite

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This paper offers a critique of the contemporary institutional discourses in social innovation theory and practice. It synthesises these discussions into the assumptions of replicability, durability and resistance of socially innovative actions and initiatives. Using the example of Orangi Pilot Project (OPP), the paper makes a case for alternative dimensions to these assumptions in the form of adaptability, sustainability and institutional resilience for addressing the socioeconomic needs of individuals and communities. From this perspective, the institutional setup of OPP emerges as a form of social innovation that has proved sustainable and resilient over time by sticking to its core ethics, sustaining its network of institutions, and adapting to the changing needs and demands of local communities. In conclusion social innovation is emphasised as a catalyst for social and institutional transformation.

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“…Mehmood (2010) analyses evolutionary metaphors in urban planning. A metaphor is a support to recognize and remember spatial concepts.…”

Section: Metaphors and The Citymentioning

confidence: 99%

Metaphor and urban studies-a crossover, theory and a case study of SS Rotterdam

Nientied

2016

City Territ Archit

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Metaphors are used in various ways; at the surface for framing a message (systems of language) and below the surface metaphors are related to the ways we think and act. In this paper we will explore, below the surface, the relationship between metaphors and urban studies. From an analysis of metaphors used in urban studies, it will be concluded that, so to speak, every new phenomenon gets a new metaphor around which theoretical notions are developed. Indeed, 'a 1000 flowers bloom' . This paper will study what urban studies can learn from organization theory. In particular, the question whether the set of metaphors from one of the classics in organizational theory-namely Gareth Morgan's Images of Organization-can inform urban studies, can be used to grasp, to 'read' cities. After exploring theoretical notions, the case study is the SS Rotterdam, a former luxury cruise ship that that came back to Rotterdam to serve as a catalyst for urban development. Different metaphors of Morgan's set are applied in this case study to get a better understanding of the management, decision making, culture and political system. It will be concluded that Morgan's set of metaphors looks promising for urban studies and recommendations are made about research lines along which further theoretical and empirical work may be carried out.

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On the History and Potentials of Evolutionary Metaphors in Urban Planning

Cited by 38 publications

References 90 publications

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Urban Metabolism

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Urban Metabolism

Institutional forms of social innovation

Metaphor and urban studies-a crossover, theory and a case study of SS Rotterdam

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