Change is inevitable, and adaptation essential

In adaptive, experimental initiatives, extra resources are given to learning how to create more sustainable and just cities. Experimentation labs are places for testing ideas, methods and technologies to address urban challenges. Transition towns represent a community-oriented approach to experimentation where residents can build resilience and pioneer environmental, economic and social solutions. Smart Cities demonstrate a more technical approach to urban development based on data collection and analysis -- but if made accessible to all, data generated by Smart Cities initiatives can unlock creativity and experimentation in efforts of making cities more responsive to change. Many organizations may not have the willingness or capacity to undertake such experimental approaches: Nonetheless, adaptation is increasingly a part of urban societies. Harnessing nature’s intelligence through Nature-based Solutions is also a smart and effective way for cities to adapt to change. 

Urban adaptation can be supported by the governance arrangement, ‘Make space for adaptation and experimentation’. Based on input from the UrbanA Community and the study of many urban initiatives, this arrangement describes how adaptation and experimentation are both essential and beneficial for initiatives working towards sustainable and just cities. It outlines, for example, how consistent reflection, learning from mistakes and allowing space for detours allows initiatives to remain resilient to and even benefit from change. Check out a short explanatory video, here. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXkDYPNmEOUEmbracing adaptation and experimentation may help overcome a driver of injustice that UrbanA has categorised as Unfit institutional structures (see video here). This concept refers to structures that can be found in public or private organizations that are characterized by strict, top-down governance and rigid bureaucracies. These limit knowledge generation and exchange, and often result in sustainability policies that fail to address the realities of vulnerable residents. Increased openness to adaptability allows for responsiveness to changing social and economic conditions and better positions initiatives to meet the shifting needs of those they serve. It is a counter-model to organisational rigidity, in which institutions are not willing to change their methods, metrics or objectives. 

• “Adaptation is developed through a pathway approach, a continuously inclusive decision-making process respecting local communities’ vision for a changing future, considering scenario variations and adjusting its premises.” (J. Dinis)
• “Failure is a natural part of experimentation, yet many vulnerable groups cannot afford this risk” (Arena Participant)
• “Experimentation in social justice initiatives can also be a sensitive topic, since those involved already face discrimination and should not feel like they are being “experimented on.” Instead projects should create arrangements where people can adapt, learn and grow.” (Arena Participant)