The Metabolic City

Text Mario Kolkwitz

The homeostatic urban metabolism scheme. Graph: Mario Kolkwitz

A nature-inspired concept from the 1960s helps to outline flexibility on a city scale.

Would you like to read the full story?

Subscribers have a full access on our website and the digital magazine archive.

Subscribe
I am already a subscriber

Published in 1 – 2025 - Urban Landscape

Also these might interest you

Research — 1.1.2024

Helsinki is a Prisoner of its Geography and Government

The growth of the Helsinki region is a challenge for the development of Helsinki’s city centre. The urban development ideals that have taken over the planning in Helsinki over the last few decades have failed to recognize the nature of urbanization in the long term.

Phenomena — 1.1.2022

A City That Is Growing towards the Sky

In recent years, large construction projects have brought changes to the cityscape of Tampere. On whose terms is new construction conducted?

Conversation — 1.1.2021

Who Has a Right to the City?

Recently, there has been an active discussion about whether Helsinki is planned on the terms of investors or city residents. ARK discussed the sore spots of city planning with the editors of the pamphlet Kenen kaupunki?

Pros and Cons — 1.3.2023

Pros and Cons: Does Central Oulu Need High-Rises?

In the new column, architects take a stance on a topical issue.

Phenomena — 1.3.2024

Arenas of Urban Development

Helsinki, Turku and Oulu are planning to build event arenas in central locations. In Tampere, an arena built above the railway has been in use for a good two years. What kind of cityscape is being constructed along these megaprojects?