The Invisible Structure of Ecological Cities

Abstract

While the visible structures of cities may be designed, the invisible structures of how land, buildings, enterprises and money are owned and controlled are accepted as a given. This paper argues that to sustain humanity on the planet, the invisible structures of society need to follow the self-correcting design criterion found in nature. The invisible structure of ecological cities would make the visible structures of society accountable to the needs of their host bio-regions to create ecological republics. The current perpetual static monopoly rules for owning land, buildings and enterprise would be replaced with time limited, dynamic, and inclusive rules. The paper outlines how invisible structures based on ecological rules could be introduced and why this would create a more efficient, equitable and sustainable society.

Keywords: Ecological, Finance, Governance, Property rights, Realty, Urban economy

JEL Classification: D02, H11, H23, P14, P16, P48, Q15