Multi-scale design using a holonic approach

This paper proposes a holonic approach to address multi-scale sustainable design for configuration of cities. It is believed that multi-scale design can presumably stimulate greater environmental awareness. Assuming the city is a living organism, this paper defines the city as a cell based holon. It means designing "city cells within a city cell". This functional and structural design permits to account for both the self-assertive and the integrative tendencies of the city. The city cells can largely structure themselves and together serve the whole city. The found models are: (a) City Cell-within-City Cell, (b) Attractor-Based Cellular City and (c) Bottleneck City. The later is the result of non linear and uncontrolled dynamics in a cellular city.