The Metabolic Design for New Urban Forms and Functions: City as a System

by David Dooghe (editor), Christopher de Vries (Editor), Catja Edens (Editor)

A holistic vision of the urban body’s metabolic flows, needs and challenges Difficult problems do not always require far-fetched solutions, but to arrive at the solution a change of perspective may be in order. The City as a System advocates such a change of perspective in the study of the urban environment. It posits that designers who wish to truly improve the functioning of the city and solve tricky urban problems should not only focus on the visible, spatial character of the city, but should also conduct research into its underlying system―into the operation, use and performance of the urban fabric.
The authors view the metabolism of the city as that of a living organism and argue that the urban body―as the place where much of our resource use culminates―plays a crucial role in the transition toward a more sustainable living environment.

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am new to urban planning and architecture but am glad that I picked up this book as my first text before starting formal study.
It gave me a lot of hope for the discipline, and some alternative ways of looking at traditional design methods that I can see will be taught in my course.
The philosophy of the city as a metabolic system has invigorated my interest in the field in a new light and I recommend it for anyone interested in the field, whether professionally or personally.

[Venci · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book for designers from all scales. Although it doesn’t go into that much depth into each of the aspects it functions as a helpful framework and a good entry point for those new to the topic.

[Anoushka Kolahalu · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books that can be referred to for researching concepts and design theologies including good interviews. Centering around the design theories of reuse, healthy cities and vernacular architecture.