Urban Sustainability Assessment

This lecture introduces the concept of sustainability assessment in urban systems, emphasizing the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of the field. Students will learn to critically analyze sustainability, apply assessment methodologies, and work with diverse indicators. The lecture covers the genesis of urban systems, key steps in sustainability assessment, and the implications of population size, density, and heterogeneity. It also explores the impact of urban density on environmental and social aspects, as well as the challenges posed by artificial and heterotrophic open systems. Through examples and group projects, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of urban sustainability assessment.