Reading Development

Random readings on society, politics and change – Jorge Carrillo

The Making of the Urban Entrepreneur

Pressures on infrastructure—due to growing urban populations, the ubiquity of new technologies, and collaborative business models—are fostering a new form of entrepreneurship focused on addressing quality of life in cities. … Continue reading

Thursday, 18 May 2017 · Leave a comment

Blockchain for Development – Hope or Hype?

Blockchain technology has been heralded by many as the next big thing. The potential use of blockchains has attracted widespread attention from the media, the IMF, the UN, and the … Continue reading

Tuesday, 16 May 2017 · Leave a comment

Measuring the Complexity of Urban Form and Design

Complex systems have become a popular lens for conceptualizing cities, and complexity has substantial implications for urban performance and resilience. This paper develops a typology of methods and measures for … Continue reading

Saturday, 13 May 2017 · Leave a comment

Cities Rising: European Municipalities and the Refugee Surge

In January 2016, Swedish border controls went into effect to stem the flow of thousands of refugees who sought to leave Denmark for the more hospitable Sweden. The disruption brought … Continue reading

Saturday, 6 May 2017 · Leave a comment

Developing city resilience strategies : lessons from ICLEI and ACCCRN

Asian cities are on the frontline of climate change. A third of all low-elevation coastal zones in the world are located in Asia, where two-thirds of the world’s urban population … Continue reading

Saturday, 29 April 2017 · Leave a comment

Sustainable Development of a City: Systemic Approach

Today the concept of sustainable development has been adopted as a basis for promoting development at all levels of territorial organisation. While generally worked out for the global level, this … Continue reading

Friday, 28 April 2017 · Leave a comment

Sustainable Food Systems: The Role of the City

This book, by a leading expert in urban agriculture, offers a genuine solution to today’s global food crisis. By contributing more to feeding themselves, cities can allow breathing space for … Continue reading

Friday, 28 April 2017 · Leave a comment

Developing risk or resilience? Effects of slum upgrading on the social contract and social cohesion

In Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, major development efforts are underway – namely, the Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (Kibera Pilot), the Nairobi Railway Relocation Action Plan, and the … Continue reading

Thursday, 27 April 2017 · Leave a comment

Don’t call me resilient again!

The Habitat III Conference’s New Urban Agenda hails a “paradigm shift” for pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the new call for “safe, resilient, sustainable and inclusive cities” remains … Continue reading

Saturday, 22 April 2017 · Leave a comment