Week 2: The city as a system of systems

Introduction

This week you will look at systems thinking in the context of cities and how it can help us to explore wicked problems. You will learn about rich pictures, a type of systems diagram, and have a go at drawing one to identify and explore the challenges your city or community faces.

The core elements of a smart cities project or programme will be introduced and you will also start to explore sustainability, privacy and ethical issues related to smart cities.

By the end of this week you should be able to:

• describe how systems thinking is relevant to cities
• explain what a wicked problem is and identify one for your city or community
• identify the core elements of a smart city project or programme.