Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 197 | Catherine Brinkley on the Science of Cities
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May 16, 2022 Catherine Brinkley, an Associate Professor of Human Ecology at UC Davis, dives into the fascinating world of urban science. She discusses the fractal nature of city structures and the importance of adaptive city planning for sustainability. The conversation touches on the '15-minute city' concept to enhance accessibility, alongside the legacy of redlining and its impact on community resources. Brinkley also addresses the balance between green spaces and gentrification, emphasizing the need for inclusive development to ensure vibrant, equitable urban environments.
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City Analogies
- Cities are compared to various organisms and structures, from slime molds to coral reefs.
- These analogies help simplify the study of complex urban systems.
Urban Footprint
- The urban footprint is small compared to agricultural land, about 3% versus 30-40%.
- Higher urban density encourages walking, biking, and fewer resources used per capita.
Planned vs. Emergent Cities
- Top-down city planning often faces challenges, like traffic issues, as seen in some planned cities.
- Copenhagen's finger plan, with green wedges and transit rails, is a successful example of planned urban development.
