In the quest for sustainable urban development, a radical shift in how we design and build our cities is not just beneficial—it’s essential. This is the core message from a recent paper published in the *Journal of Resilient Design in Architecture and Planning* (formerly known as the Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning), authored by Sergio Porta of the University of Strathclyde. The research argues that the key to creating truly sustainable, resilient, and just urban environments lies not in technological fixes alone, but in a fundamental rethinking of the very processes by which we design and build our world.
Porta’s work revisits the ideas of the late architect and theorist Christopher Alexander, who, two decades ago, critiqued the “mechanistic” approach to sustainability that dominates much of contemporary urban design. Alexander’s vision, as Porta explains, was one of “authentically sustainable” morphogenesis—a process by which the built environment evolves organically, in harmony with natural systems and human needs. “Alexander’s insights remain profoundly relevant today,” Porta asserts. “They challenge us to move beyond superficial solutions and to engage with the deeper, evolutionary processes that shape our cities.”
The paper highlights recent advancements in Urban MorphoMetrics and Urban Evo Devo, fields that explore how urban forms evolve over time and how this evolution can be guided towards more sustainable outcomes. By integrating these insights with Alexander’s principles, Porta proposes a new, evolutionary approach to urban design pedagogy—one that could have significant implications for the energy sector and beyond.
For the energy sector, the implications are particularly compelling. Traditional urban design often prioritizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness, leading to standardized, energy-intensive building practices. However, as Porta’s research suggests, a morphogenetic approach could yield more adaptable, energy-efficient urban forms that evolve in response to changing environmental and social conditions. This could lead to reduced energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and more resilient urban infrastructures.
Moreover, the paper’s emphasis on “evidence-based urban design coding” points to a future where data-driven insights inform the design process, enabling more precise and effective interventions. This could revolutionize how cities are planned and built, making them more sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change and other pressing challenges.
Porta’s work is a call to action for urban designers, architects, and policymakers to embrace a more holistic, evolutionary approach to urban development. As he notes, “The future of urban design lies in our ability to recognize and engage with the evolutionary nature of the built environment.” By doing so, we can create cities that are not only sustainable and resilient but also more just and livable for all.
The research published in the Journal of Resilient Design in Architecture and Planning offers a thought-provoking perspective on the future of urban design. As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainability and climate change, Porta’s insights provide a valuable framework for rethinking how we build and design our cities. The energy sector, in particular, stands to gain from this shift, as more sustainable and resilient urban forms could significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. As the world continues to urbanize, the need for such innovative approaches has never been greater.