VIRTUAL: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

The metabolism school emerged in Japan in the 1960s and 1970s as a response to the rapid urbanization and industrialization of the country. The school’s designers and architects sought to create a new kind of urbanism that was sustainable, adaptable, and responsive to the needs of its inhabitants. Today, the principles of the metabolism school continue to inspire urban designers and architects around the world, as they seek to create urban environments that are more flexible, sustainable, and resilient. In this article, we explore the concept of “urban self-awareness” as a framework for applying the principles of the metabolism school to contemporary urban design in the 21st century. Drawing on case studies and examples from around the world, we argue that by creating urban environments that are self-aware and able to adapt to changing needs and conditions, we can create cities that are more livable, sustainable, and resilient. We also highlight some of the challenges and trade-offs associated with implementing the principles of the metabolism school in contemporary urban design practice, and discuss the potential for new technologies and approaches to support these principles in the future. Ultimately, this article aims to inspire urban designers and architects to embrace the principles of the metabolism school and develop new strategies for creating more adaptable, sustainable, and self-aware urban environments.