Use of Archetypal Structures in Urban Dynamics

Abstract

The paper demonstrates the use of systems archetypes as a practical method to understand the impact of urban policies and programs on urban dynamics. Systems archetypes are generic templates to represent the structural and behavioral insights in dynamic systems. They highlight counterintuitive behavior of social systems and the recursive nature of complex systems. This paper maps systems archetypes pertaining to the failures in urban programs, as described by Prof. J.W. Forrester in his classic book Urban Dynamics. ‘Fixes that backfire’ is a systems archetype that construes a situation where a fix effective in a short term creates long term behavioral side effects which might need even more fixes. This archetype is mapped onto the failures in urban programs. The insights to the reasons of failures of urban programs through the systems archetypes lens will enable us bring a change in the society and assist policy makers by being cautious of the unintended consequences while devising urban policies. Therefore, an approach has been proposed to deal with urban change by applying archetypal structures to urban problems. The approach illustrated in this paper will enable urban governors and planners, distinguish programs and policies that may or may not lead to desired dynamics.