Problem
Paralyzing complexity of urban structures
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Structural complexity of urban community life Nature:
Most inner-city residents find themselves without the power to significantly influence or fully understand the forces that act upon their environment. Knowing that every type of service is available they expect an effective response; but they find themselves faced by a mass of forms, guidelines and directives. The administrative procedures and bureaucratic systems which must be understood in order to survive in the urban community have become paralyzing in their complexity. There is a bewildering set of options from which to choose in order to obtain services for basic needs. Few individuals in one community service possess the expertise needed to liaise liaison with other administrative structures. Frustrated with the multitude of misunderstood referrals needed and often unable to follow them through far enough to accomplish the task, residents increasingly mistrust administrative structures. Until new forms of community advocacy are developed and made readily available to every citizen, the engagement of urban residents will continue to be inhibited. Broader Problems:
Confusing structural complexity Narrower Problems:
Uncertain land zoningDistant representativesRegulation discourages careConflicting agency prioritiesUnresponsive public authoritiesRestrictive building codes in urban areas Related Problems:
Social unaccountabilityPolice indifference to communitySubstandard housing and accommodation Aggravates:
Idle private landUnproven new methodsObscure ownership recordsDifficult land acquisitionCorporate planning paralysisUndermined citizen confidenceInadequate urban political machineryDemoralizing image of urban community identityExcessive waiting times in government facilities Strategies:
Relieving paralyzing complexity of urban structuresRelieving paralyzing complexity of urban structures Subject(s):
Society → CommunitiesAmenities → Urban
Industry → Construction
Innovative change → Appropriateness
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
01.01.2000 – 00:00 CET