Human Ecology
A New Civic Paradigm: The Human Ecology
Alongside Thriving Cities Group, a partnering organization of the Ormond Center, Dr. Josh Yates developed a framework called “human ecology” to help us understand the complexity of cities. Ormond Center, and in particular Studio for Placemaking, embraces the explanatory and envisioning power of the human ecology framework.
The human ecologies of a city contain and depend upon an array of different, but fundamental endowments. The first three of the six endowments build on the ideals of “the True,” “the Good,” and “the Beautiful;” the last three are what we might call the modern ideals of “the Prosperous,” “the Just and Well-Ordered,” and “the Sustainable.” Each brief provides an in-depth look at an endowment.
The Endowments
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The True
How does the production and distribution of knowledge relate to thriving?
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The Good
What is the role of social mores and ethics in thriving?
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The Beautiful
Do aesthetics contribute to thriving and what results in the absence of aesthetics?
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The Prosperous
How do economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability impact thriving?
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The Just and Well-Ordered
How do institutions and practices of political and civic life contribute to or hinder the capacity of all citizens to thrive?
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The Sustainable
What are the characteristics of a sustainable city and how does the natural environment impact thriving?