City as a system of systems; and evaluation of “urbanity” in post-pandemic space

Abstract

The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent compartmentalization of cities have questioned the existing norms of urban living. In such context, it is important to explore a form of ‘urbanism’ that fluctuates between the pre-COVID 19 requirements of social interdependence and the post-COVID-19 expectation of physical independence. In the form of qualitative research, “urbanity” is proposed as a critical point of departure for the theoretical investigation, while “system thinking” is employed as its key philosophical framework. Subsequently, a border normative definition for “city” is established by interrogating the notions of “urbanity” and “city as a system”. The reciprocal connection thus established between “urbanity” and “city as a system” defines an analytical framework to evaluate the behavior and challenges of urban settings underpinned by the expectations of the post-COVID-19 life. In applying this theoretical framework to the case study investigation, the “form syntax” method is used as the main analytical tool. Reviewing the results against the expectations of post COVID-19 urban space, a case is made on the criteria that facilitate post-pandemic urban life with special reference to the city of Colombo.