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Gert Spaargaren, Ellen van Bueren, and Co-creating sustainable cities – Course contributors

Around the world, major challenges of our time such as population growth and climate change are being addressed in cities. Here, citizens play an important role amidst governments, companies, NGOs and researchers in creating social, technological and political innovations for achieving sustainability.

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Around the world, major challenges of our time such as population growth and climate change are being addressed in cities. Here, citizens play an important role amidst governments, companies, NGOs and researchers in creating social, technological and political innovations for achieving sustainability.

Citizens can be co-creators of sustainable cities when they engage in city politics or in the design of the urban environment and its technologies and infrastructure. In addition, citizens influence and are influenced by the technologies and systems that they use every day. Sustainability is thus a result of the interplay between technology, policy and people’s daily lives. Understanding this interplay is essential for creating sustainable cities. In this MOOC, we zoom in on Amsterdam, Beijing, Ho Chi Minh City, Nairobi, Kampala and Suzhou as living labs for exploring the dynamics of co-creation for sustainable cities worldwide. We will address topics such as participative democracy and legitimacy, ICTs and big data, infrastructure and technology, and SMART technologies in daily life.

This global scope will be used to illustrate why specific forms of co-creation are preferred in specific urban contexts. Moreover, we will investigate and compare these cities on three themes that have a vast effect on city life:

  • Water and waste
  • Energy, air, food and mobility
  • Green spaces and food

This MOOC will teach you about the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers. You will gain an understanding of major types of co-creation and their interdependency with their socio-technical and political contexts. You will become equipped to indicate how you can use co-creation to develop innovative technologies, policy arrangements or social practices for a sustainable city in your own community. You will demonstrate this by developing an action plan, research proposal or project idea.

This course forms a part of two educational programme of the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS) - AMS Vital and Circular city research themes. It is developed by Wageningen UR and TU Delft, two of the founding universities of AMS Institute, and in cooperation with Tsinghua University.

For whom?Basic knowledge of sustainability in urban settings, urban environmental technology and urban management is assumed.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Different definitions, forms and typical examples of co-creation for developing sustainable urban water, energy and green systems.
  • The potential of co-creation for developing sustainable cities.
  • The interdependency between co-creation and its policy and socio-technical contexts.
  • Comparison of different real-life cases of co-creation.
  • To understand interdependencies between the real-life cases of co-creation and their policy and socio-technical contexts.
  • How to formulate the potential of co-creation in your work or daily life.

Syllabus

Module 1: Background Knowlegde for Co-Creating Sustainable Cities
Module 2: Water & Water Waste: Water as a Basic Need
Module 3: Energy and Air 1: Living with the Haze
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Module 4: Energy & Air 2: Citizens Co-Creating Cleaner Air
Module 5: Urban Food & Green: The Use of Urban Spaces
Module 6: Energy & Air 3: Creating Smart Energy & Mobility
Module 7: Urban Water: Dry Feet for Citizens
Module 8: Synthesus: The Dynamics of Co-Creation

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the potential of co-creation for developing sustainable cities
Develops understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and its interdependency with policy and socio-technical contexts
Enhances understanding of co-creation's role in developing sustainable urban water, energy, and green systems
Provides practical examples of co-creation in action in various real-life case studies
Suitable for learners with a foundation in sustainability, urban environmental technology, and management
Instructed by Gert Spaargaren and Ellen van Bueren, who offer valuable insights into co-creation and urban sustainability

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Reviews summary

Progressive urban planning

Learners say this course is an excellent foundation in the roles of citizens, governments, and others in co-creating sustainable cities worldwide, with practical and inspiring examples from major centers in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Learners discover not only how co-creative processes work but apply them in their own lives and work. It is an eye-opening course!
Includes examples from around the world.
"with practical and inspiring examples from major centers in Europe, Africa and Asia."
Provides practical ways to apply co-creation principles.
"Learners discover not only how co-creative processes work but how to apply them in their own lives and work."
Covers inspiring examples of co-creation.
"An eye-opening course!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Co-Creating Sustainable Cities with these activities:
Compile your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Strengthen your retention and understanding of course materials by compiling and reviewing your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams in a single location.
Show steps
  • Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
  • Organize your materials
  • Review your materials regularly
Join a study group for the course
Enhance your learning experience and understanding of course concepts by joining a study group where you can collaborate with peers.
Show steps
  • Find a study group
  • Attend study group meetings regularly
  • Discuss course materials
  • Help each other with difficult concepts
Attend a workshop on smart technologies in daily life
Gain practical insights and hands-on experience with smart technologies by attending a workshop that covers their applications and implications in daily life.
Browse courses on Smart Technologies
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on smart technologies in daily life
  • Register for the workshop
  • Attend the workshop
  • Take notes and ask questions
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Solve energy and air quality problems
Strengthen your understanding of energy and air quality management by solving practice problems that cover key concepts and scenarios.
Browse courses on Energy
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks
  • Solve the problems
  • Check your answers
  • Review the concepts that you need to improve on
Read 'Water for the World' by Peter H. Gleick
Supplement your learning on water and waste management by reading 'Water for the World' by Peter H. Gleick, which provides a comprehensive overview of global water issues.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book
  • Read the book
  • Take notes on what you learn
  • Discuss the book with other students or a professor
Create a blog post about green spaces and food
Share your knowledge and insights on green spaces and food by creating a blog post that explores their relationship and importance in urban sustainability.
Browse courses on Green Spaces
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your blog post
  • Research your topic
  • Write your blog post
  • Publish your blog post
  • Promote your blog post
Mentor a student in a sustainability-related field
Deepen your understanding of co-creation and sustainability by sharing your knowledge and experience with a student in a sustainability-related field.
Show steps
  • Find a student to mentor
  • Meet with your mentee regularly
  • Provide guidance and support to your mentee
  • Help your mentee develop their skills and knowledge

Career center

Learners who complete Co-Creating Sustainable Cities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Urban Planner
Urban Planners develop plans and programs that promote the sustainable development of communities. They work with residents, businesses, and government agencies to create plans that address issues such as land use, transportation, housing, and economic development. This course would be useful for Urban Planners because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of businesses and organizations. They work with employees, customers, and suppliers to identify and implement sustainable practices. This course would be useful for Sustainability Managers because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists conduct research to understand the impact of human activities on the environment. They work with government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations to develop and implement policies and regulations to protect the environment. This course would be useful for Environmental Scientists because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineers design and develop renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind farms. They work with utilities, businesses, and government agencies to promote the use of renewable energy. This course would be useful for Renewable Energy Engineers because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Energy Auditor
Energy Auditors assess the energy efficiency of buildings and businesses. They make recommendations to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. This course would be useful for Energy Auditors because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Green Building Consultant
Green Building Consultants help clients design and construct sustainable buildings. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that buildings are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. This course would be useful for Green Building Consultants because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers design and manage water resources systems, such as dams, reservoirs, and canals. They work with government agencies and private companies to ensure that water resources are used sustainably. This course would be useful for Water Resources Engineers because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law. They work with clients to ensure that their activities comply with environmental regulations. They also represent clients in environmental litigation. This course would be useful for Environmental Lawyers because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Environmental Economist
Environmental Economists apply economic principles to environmental issues. They work with government agencies and businesses to develop policies and regulations that promote environmental sustainability. This course would be useful for Environmental Economists because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts develop and analyze environmental policies. They work with government agencies and non-profit organizations to promote environmental sustainability. This course would be useful for Environmental Policy Analysts because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Urban Designer
Urban Designers plan and design cities and towns. They work with architects, engineers, and landscape architects to create sustainable and livable communities. This course would be useful for Urban Designers because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. They work with architects and engineers to create sustainable and beautiful landscapes. This course would be useful for Landscape Architects because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Architect
Architects design and construct buildings. They work with clients, engineers, and contractors to create safe and functional buildings. This course may be useful for Architects because it would provide them with a basic understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and construct infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and dams. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to create safe and sustainable infrastructure. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers because it would provide them with a basic understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and build machines, vehicles, and other mechanical devices. They work with engineers, technicians, and operators to create safe and efficient products. This course may be useful for Mechanical Engineers because it would provide them with a basic understanding of the dynamics of co-creation and the key principles of citizens interacting with service providing companies, technology and infrastructure developers, policy makers and researchers.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Co-Creating Sustainable Cities.
This classic book provides a critique of modernist urban planning and offers a vision for how cities can be made more livable and sustainable.
Explores the relationship between urban design and public health. It provides evidence that well-designed cities can promote physical activity, reduce air pollution, and improve mental well-being.
Offers a practical guide to creating cities that are more livable and sustainable. It provides insights into how to design streets, public spaces, and buildings that promote human interaction and well-being.
Provides an overview of the principles and practices of green urbanism. It offers a comprehensive guide to creating sustainable cities that are both environmentally friendly and socially just.
Explores the potential of smart technologies to create more sustainable and livable cities. It offers insights into how to use smart technologies to improve transportation, energy efficiency, and public safety.
Explores the rise of the sharing economy and its potential to transform the way we live and work. It offers insights into how the sharing economy can be used to create more sustainable and equitable cities.
Argues that cities are the key to solving the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. It offers a vision for how cities can become more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous.
Provides a detailed study of how people use public spaces in cities. It offers insights into how to design public spaces that are more inviting and encourage social interaction.
Provides a global overview of the challenges and opportunities facing cities in the 21st century. It offers insights into how cities can become more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous.

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