geology discussion

Flows: Urban Metabolism & Human Mobility

Human Mobility & Urban Metabolism

• Urban Metabolism

• Linear & Circular Model

• Environmental Impacts

• Human Mobility

• Transportation

• Ableism & Universal Design

Urban Metabolism

The study of urban metabolism involves ‘big picture’

quantification of the inputs, outputs and storage of energy,

water, nutrients, materials and wastes for an urban region.

Kennedy, C., S. Pincetl, and P. Bunje. “The Study of Urban Metabolism and Its Applications to Urban Planning and

Design.” Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex: 1987) 159, no. 8–9 (September 2011): 1965–73.

Metabolism

Human Urban

Inputs Outputs

“There is... nothing unnatural about New York City”

–David Harvey–

“There is... nothing unnatural about New York City”

–David Harvey–

“There is... nothing unnatural about New York City”

–David Harvey–

Inputs, Outputs & Transportation

Linear Metabolism (Higher Rate of Pollution)

Inputs Outputs

The City

Inputs Outputs

The City

Circular Metabolism (Minimize New Inputs and Maximize Recycling)

Trash is Messy

It does not stay in place

Impervious Surfaces

• Pavement

• Concrete

• Asphalt

Natural vs. Impervious Cover

Bioswale

• Reduce flooding

• Stops trash

• Absorbs rainwater

• Aesthetically pleasing

• Provides green space

Transportation

• Cars

• Buses

• Planes • Trains

• Motorcycles • Bicycles

• Scooters

• Boats

The Suburbs & Car Centric Society

The Suburbs & Car Centric Society

• Loss of homes

• Loss of businesses

• Air Pollution

• Car Emissions

• Lack of investment in public transportation

https://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?a=288100&c=52256

Human Mobility Beyond Transportation

These are Important for Human Mobility Too!

Ableism Defined

Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with

disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. At its heart,

ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require ‘fixing’

and defines people by their disability. Like racism and sexism, ableism

classifies entire groups of people as ‘less than,’ and includes harmful

stereotypes, misconceptions, and generalizations of people with

disabilities.

https://www.accessliving.org/newsroom/blog/ableism-101/

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in

employment, State and local government, public

accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and

telecommunications.

Universal Design & Inclusive Infrastructure

Universal Design is the design and composition of an

environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to

the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their

age, size, ability or disability. An environment (or any building,

product, or service in that environment) should be designed to

meet the needs of all people who wish to use it.