Cities need infrastructure like roads and networks to function efficiently, but they can't just be built anywhere. As cities grow, they develop a hierarchy of infrastructure, from local roads to highways and subway systems. However, as cities become denser, the infrastructure takes up more space and needs to be placed in the third dimension. This includes roads, electrical cables, fiber, and pipes for water and sanitation. These networks grow in volume faster than the underlying space, leading to crowded and disorganized cities if not properly planned.
Today we're joined by Luis Bettencourt, Professor at the University of Chicago, and External Faculty at the Santa Fe Institute. Luis is going to pull apart how cities work, why they work the way they do, what's good about them, and what's bad about them. He's also going to talk specifically about slums, and the challenges that exist in raising people out of poverty.
Resources and links:
Connect:
This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.