UPFLOW: cross-scale and cross-domain framework for integrated perspectives on urban production and flows

Rapid urbanization and evolving manufacturing practices characterize the Anthropocene, significantly influencing resource management and distribution. These changes have led to the rise of consumer-centric cities that often lack resilient local production capabilities. As a response to these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need to develop resilient urban production systems, fostered, not only by urban policy initiatives but also by advancements in production technology. Despite this shift, the contribution of urban production to the flow of materials and energy within through urban environments and its implications for global supply chains and the industrial ecology remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to address these gaps by developing a comprehensive framework for integrated perspectives on urban production and flows (UPFLOW). The framework is created through a systematic identification and analysis of key theoretical frameworks from various disciplines, including an assessment of their strengths and deficiencies. By synthesizing essential aspects from these diverse fields, we establish a robust, cross-scale and cross-domain framework designed to facilitate multi-disciplinary research in urban production. The ultimate goal is to enable the sustainable design of urban areas and their associated production processes. To illustrate the framework’s applicability, we apply it to an exemplary use case, demonstrating its general suitability.