More than just a flows audit
Cities, ports and regions can’t function without constant flows of materials, water, sediment, energy, food, air, biomass, data, and so on. Metabolic studies research these flows and map them, which is how heat maps, potential maps, flow charts, etc. are created
In the past, these studies were often limited to a kind of audit exercise with input and output data of flows and stocks. Their objective was chiefly to optimise individual flows. While there’s nothing wrong with this, a city is still made up of more than the sum of its individual flows. Models, analyses and indicators are needed and can raise awareness; however, they rarely generate insights into the ‘spatial planning footprint’ of flows, daily dynamics and management, accessibility of flows, and how governments and other players can take action on this front.
Taking context into account
That’s why studies of circular flows should examine the context of the specific areas in which these flows occur. Thanks to the link between research and design practice, current studies take this into account. Different agendas (citizens, public authorities, businesses, territory, etc.) are systematically taken into account and local knowledge and valuable initiatives are integrated (see figure). As a result, these studies are always tailored to specific places, at a community level (place-based).
Metabolism Matters
In practice, the study of an urban metabolism involves “big picture” assimilation and analysis of inputs, outputs, the storage of materials, nutrients, water, energy and any other flows concerning a metropolitan region which can provide sustainability indicators and data.
While the concept of urban metabolism is now gaining momentum in the spheres of academia and government, there are still many aspects that remain grey areas which need to be explored in order to understand the metabolic quantification that is relevant for urban and social economic policies and environmental planning.
More specifically, the spatial perspective of urban metabolism has yet to receive the attention it deserves which poses the question: how can we apply the attributes and advantages of flows to metropolitan life through spatial design? Great efforts are still required to establish urban metabolism as an integral part of urban planning and design, and this requires the design community to become far more enlightened about all the different kinds of flows. The challenge ahead therefore becomes to “design the urban metabolism” of circular, inclusive and resilient port-city regions.