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The Theory of Complexity and Sustainable Urban Development: A Systematic Literature Review

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  • Walter Antonio Abujder Ochoa

    (Carrera de Ingeniería Civil, Departamento de Ingenierías y Ciencias Exactas, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías (CICEI), Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo, C. Márquez, Esq. Parque Jorge Trigo Andia, Tupuraya, Cochabamba 0000, Bolivia
    Construction Civil Area, Construction Management and Sustainability, Graduate Program in Civil Engineering (PPGEC), Federal University of Technology of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná 81280-340, Brazil)

  • Alfredo Iarozinski Neto

    (Construction Civil Area, Construction Management and Sustainability, Graduate Program in Civil Engineering (PPGEC), Federal University of Technology of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná 81280-340, Brazil)

  • Paulo Cezar Vitorio Junior

    (Graduate Program in Civil Engineering (PPGEC), Federal University of Technology of Paraná, Via do Conhecimento, Km 1, Pato Branco, Paraná 85503-390, Brazil)

  • Oriana Palma Calabokis

    (Faculty of Engineering and Basic Sciences, Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores, Bogotá 1112211, Colombia)

  • Vladimir Ballesteros-Ballesteros

    (Faculty of Engineering and Basic Sciences, Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores, Bogotá 1112211, Colombia)

Abstract

Urbanization is a rapidly accelerating global phenomenon that challenges sustainable development, requiring innovative frameworks for understanding and managing urban complexity. This study explores the application of Complexity Theory in sustainable urban development, framing cities as Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS), where dynamic social, economic, environmental, and technological interactions generate emergent behaviors. A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing 91 studies retrieved from Scopus that explicitly link Complexity Theory to urban sustainability. Key findings reveal trade-offs, such as balancing economic growth with ecological preservation and social equity, while emphasizing the role of self-organization and adaptive governance in enhancing urban resilience. Concrete examples include the application of fractal analysis in urban planning to predict sprawl and optimize infrastructure and the use of system dynamics models to align smart city initiatives with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Wider co-benefits identified include improved public health through integrated green infrastructure and the reinforcement of social cohesion via participatory urban planning. This research concludes that embracing Complexity Theory enables a holistic approach to urban sustainability, fostering adaptable, resilient systems that can better manage uncertainty. This study highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative policy frameworks to navigate the multifaceted challenges of modern urbanization.

Suggested Citation

  • Walter Antonio Abujder Ochoa & Alfredo Iarozinski Neto & Paulo Cezar Vitorio Junior & Oriana Palma Calabokis & Vladimir Ballesteros-Ballesteros, 2024. "The Theory of Complexity and Sustainable Urban Development: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-42, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2024:i:1:p:3-:d:1551122
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Adeeb A. Kutty & Galal M. Abdella & Murat Kucukvar & Nuri C. Onat & Melih Bulu, 2020. "A system thinking approach for harmonizing smart and sustainable city initiatives with United Nations sustainable development goals," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(5), pages 1347-1365, September.
    2. Junwei Zheng & Guangdong Wu & Hongtao Xie & Hui Xu, 2017. "Ambidextrous Leadership and Sustainability-Based Project Performance: The Role of Project Culture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-24, December.
    3. Pier Luigi Sacco & Alessandro Crociata, 2013. "A Conceptual Regulatory Framework for the Design and Evaluation of Complex, Participative Cultural Planning Strategies," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(5), pages 1688-1706, September.
    4. Tianyu Chen & Guangmeng Bian & Ziyi Wang, 2024. "Resilience Assessment of Historical and Cultural Cities from the Perspective of Urban Complex Adaptive Systems," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-24, April.
    5. Yueran Wang & Wente Pan & Ziyan Liao, 2024. "Impact of Urban Morphology on High-Density Commercial Block Energy Consumption in Severe Cold Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-26, July.
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