Urban management: concepts and tools for sustainable cities

This paper views urban management as an integrated, multi-faceted, multi-stakeholder approach to solving complex issues ranging from climate change and energy efficiency at global level to governance, waste management, housing and infrastructure at local level. Drawing on the ecodevice-model developed by Tjallingii, it contends that, in order to manage cities in a sustainable way, this approach should seek to reduce flows (of energy, goods, people, etc.) create places (that are safe, lively, etc.) and mobilize people (decision makers, planners, CBOs, etc.). It is important that local governments, institutions and organizations involved in managing urban spaces learn as much as possible about the available models, approaches and tools. This learning process should be guided by the underlying principles of cultural vibrancy, ecological viability, economic feasibility, and social equity. To illustrate how these principles can help to integrate various models into a sustainable urban concept, the paper traces similarities between models such as the ‘linear city’, the ‘lobe-city’ and the ‘fiber city’ model. Implementation of development models requires the active engagement of all actors involved. Much depends on the commitment and ‘absorption capacity’ of local communities. The paper illustrates ways to mobilize public participation through on-going research and design projects currently conducted by the School of Architecture and Design at KMUTT. It concludes by providing elements that are deemed necessary for an adequate training module in urban managementstatus: publishe