Applications of Systems Engineering to Urban Utilities

Urban utilities are the technologies by which are provided life support services, resource distribution, and information transfers to the individuals and institutions in the city. These utilities now require about one third of the budgets of all major cities and are rapidly increasing in cost. Technological innovation in these systems has been minor, yet they are the aspects of urban function most sensitive to technological change. Systems engineering, using criteria based upon urban development needs, and large scale demonstration programs affords the best opportunity for development of utility technologies that satisfy rather than limit urban development and social organization.