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Summary and Suggestions

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Summary and Suggestions

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<P class=MsoNormal>Hello!</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>It might be useful for us to have a summary of what the cities and organizations discussion group has done and what we could do next. So here is my attempt.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>As for what we have been up to: we have heard a variety of distinct voices about cities and organizational dynamics, and we will hear another voice on the 21<SUP>st</SUP> of March (Nicholas de Monchaux from the Department of Architecture at the University of Virginia announcement to follow). It might be time, perhaps, to try form a chorus out of our various interests and perspectives.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>We could jointly address and discuss a series of foundational questions, such as:</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>* What is a city? (who and what makes up this complicated entity?)</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>* How to understand how a city functions?</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>* What challenges do cities face? (what sort of problems do cities try to solve?)</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>* Who decides on the shape and activities of a city? (how are such decisions made?)</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>* Whatever other questions individuals think of as foundational or interesting.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>The emphasis on this exercise would be to clarify the questions with the initial assumption that our different perspectives, experiences, predispositions and methodological preferences will result in different answers to the above questions. But it seems to me that having a common set of questions would help pave the way for thinking about how to generate answers (a far from trivial project).</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>Continuing with the metaphor of forming a chorus, I think it would help us if we did a reading in common. I propose that we read (or re-read) Jane Jacobs classic The Death and Life of Great American Cities (available from Amazon for $10). This wonderfully written book should be of interests not only to those interested in cities, but also to those interested in economics, political economy, history and organizational dynamics (as a side note, many of the books themes resonate with SFI themes). We could dedicate one or two sessions for a discussion of the book.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>I am of course eager to learn about your reactions and suggestions.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>Regards,</P>
<P class=MsoNormal>Jose</P>
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<DIV>*************************</DIV>
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<DIV>José Lobo</DIV>
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<DIV>Visiting Researcher</DIV>
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<DIV>Santa Fe Institute</DIV>
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