The Holon City Platform introduces many concepts that may be new to most people. Here we introduce many of the key concepts and links for further exploration.
A holon refers to a whole that is simultaneously part of another whole, or “whole/part.” Whole atoms are parts of whole molecules, which themselves are parts of whole cells, and so on. There are individual holons and social holons.
Overall, a holonic approach to community development can create a more dynamic, adaptable, and innovative urban environment by promoting decentralization, local control, and collaboration.
A living systems approach to local management is a holistic and integrative approach that seeks to understand and manage our neighborhoods as complex and dynamic systems. This approach recognizes that cities are made up of multiple interconnected and interdependent parts, or "holons," and that they are influenced by a wide range of factors, including economic, social, environmental, and cultural factors.
Emergence is a key concept in systems theory, which is the study of how various elements within a system interact and influence one another. In living systems, emergence can be observed at various levels, from the cellular and molecular level to the level of entire ecosystems.
Examples of emergence in living systems include the emergence of self-organization in cells and tissues, the emergence of social behaviors in groups of animals, and the emergence of ecosystems and the various interactions and feedback loops within them. Understanding the concept of emergence is important for understanding the complexity and adaptability of living systems.
The Anthropocene is the current geological epoch, in which human activities have had a significant global impact on the Earth's climate, environment, and ecosystems.
The Anthropocene is marked by a number of changes to the Earth's systems, including the extinction of species, the alteration of ecosystems, and the disruption of the Earth's climate. These changes have been driven by a variety of human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The Anthropocene has significant implications for the future of the planet and its inhabitants.
The 6th great extinction, also known as the Holocene extinction or the Anthropocene extinction, refers to the ongoing loss of biodiversity that is occurring as a result of human activities. It is estimated that species are currently disappearing at a rate that is hundreds to thousands of times faster than the average rate over the past 65 million years, and that this extinction event is likely to be one of the most severe in Earth's history.
Cities can be seen as living systems in the sense that they are made up of many different components, or "holons," that interact and influence one another. These components can include people, businesses, infrastructure, institutions, and natural systems, and they can be organized at different scales, from the individual level to the regional and global level.
Bioregional development is an approach to community and economic development that focuses on the integration of human and natural systems within a specific geographic region or bioregion.
Overall, bioregional development can be important in the future for a number of reasons, including sustainability, economic development, social justice, and resilience.
City as Living Laboratory (CALL) works with artists, scientists, and residents of urban communities to create sustainable solutions for urgent environmental issues including climate, equity and health. We help people connect environmental challenges to personal experience and take action.
A living systems approach to city management seeks to understand and manage cities as complex and dynamic systems in order to promote the well-being and prosperity of all stakeholders and to create more sustainable and livable communities. This approach emphasizes the importance of considering the needs and goals of all stakeholders, of promoting collaboration and participatory decision-making, and of using data and technology to inform decision-making and optimize the functioning of the city.
Impact-based games, also known as serious games or gamification, are games that are designed to have a positive impact on the world or to achieve specific social or educational goals. These games can be used in a variety of settings, including education, healthcare, and business, and can be an effective way to engage and motivate people to learn, solve problems, or make positive changes in their lives or communities.
A digital twin of a city is a digital replica of a city or urban area, typically created using data from sensors, aerial imagery, and other sources. They can be used to improve the planning and design of urban areas, by allowing city planners and designers to test and evaluate different scenarios and alternatives.
Overall, digital twins of cities provide a powerful tool for understanding, predicting, and optimizing the performance and operation of urban areas.
There is a debate about whether technology, specifically the internet and social media, is creating a global brain or a global nervous system. Some argue that the internet and social media have created a global brain by allowing people all over the world to share information, collaborate on projects, and connect with one another in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Others argue that the internet and social media have created a global nervous system, rather than a brain, because they facilitate the rapid transmission of information but do not necessarily lead to increased understanding or wisdom.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the interconnected network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to collect and exchange data. The IoT has the potential to transform many industries and aspects of daily life, by enabling the automation of tasks, improving efficiency and productivity, and providing new insights and data for decision-making.
The amount of time we have to address climate change is a matter of significant concern. The impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather events, are already being felt around the world, and they are expected to become more severe in the coming decades.\
Overall, the time available to address climate change is limited, and it is important that we act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The longer we wait, the more difficult and costly it will be to address these challenges. We have the tools to innovate and evolve. Let's use them now.
Harlem is a neighborhood in the upper section of Manhattan Island, At since the 1920s, it's been a Mecca for America's blacks, and an internationally renowned cultural hub.
Long known for its intimate jazz clubs, soul food institutions and African-American heritage, Harlem draws a diverse crowd of locals and visitors. Trendy eateries, stylish clubs and hip bars make for an energetic nightlife scene. The area features a mix of 19th-century brownstones and modern high-rises. Its main artery, 125th Street, is home to the iconic Apollo Theater, unique stores and restaurants.
For over 10 years Silicon Harlem has actively been designing an efficient advanced technological infrastructure that is resilient, fast and affordable. Silicon Harlem has taken up the challenge to serve not just some but ALL Citizens, by leveraging their ability to decrease capital expenditures and increase the ease of doing business in the community through robust and meaningful community engagement.
The COSMOS testbed will cover one square mile in West Harlem, with City College to the north, Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus to the south, the Hudson River to the west, and Apollo Theater to the east. This vibrant, densely populated neighborhood is an ideal environment for pushing the limits of cutting edge technologies for fifth-generation (5G) and beyond wireless networks.
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