Business case for treating a city as a dissipative structure, with the flow of citizen value supported by remote sensing of the urban environment

Abstract

Abstract This study explores the perspective of viewing a city as a dissipative structure using the case of Cape Town and the challenges it faces with unregulated development. It suggests a concept of Lean citizen flow loops to respond to the dynamic economic demands of society. These loops are triggered by remotely sensed changes in property development, facilitated by the integration of high-frequency satellite data and deep learning techniques for near real-time detection of changes in the built environment. The methods employed include: Lean flow concepts and Heijunka for conflict resolution and Automated property change detection using deep learning from low-cost high-frequency satellite data. The study found that, by considering a city as a dissipative structure, which is a dynamic system that balances chaos and order, a city can create an environment conducive to innovation, self-organisation, adaptability, and resilience. The integration of high-frequency satellite data and deep learning techniques enables the timely detection of changes in property development patterns, empowering a city to respond promptly and efficiently. The use of Lean citizen response process loops enhances a city’s ability to engage with stakeholders and incorporate their feedback in decision-making processes. Through active dialogue with citizens, a city can foster a more inclusive and participatory approach to urban development. This approach not only addresses the challenge of unregulated development but also promotes innovation by encouraging collaboration, creativity, and the generation of novel ideas. The use of deep learning for property change detection has achieved an accuracy of 95% in identifying true positives. The results of this paper present a case for transforming Cape Town into an innovative city that effectively manages development, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters a thriving urban environment, by leveraging the principles of dissipative structures, along with advanced technology and citizen responsiveness. This study highlights the potential of adopting a holistic and dynamic approach to urban governance, where innovation becomes a key driver of sustainable and inclusive growth.