Models of Cities: Urban Design and Economics

This lecture explores different models of cities, from the normative to the elemental, focusing on the economic aspects of land and real estate. It delves into the concept of the 'cosmic city' with a sacred center and converging routes, the 'machine city' with a logic of utility and programmed flows, and the 'ecological city' integrating agricultural and industrial zones. The discussion extends to the 'organic city' emphasizing community autonomy and feedback mechanisms towards a Smart City. Weaknesses of normative models are analyzed, highlighting the challenges of ideal utopian urban designs. The lecture concludes by examining the key elements of enclaves, armatures, and heterotopias in urban planning, and their role in circulation and stabilization of urban flows.