Resource-sensitive and community-inclusive urban archetypes to enhance the applicability of urban metabolism frameworks by design practitioners

Abstract Recent studies demonstrate the value of applying urban metabolism (UM) frameworks in urban design across various scales. However, the development of actionable design tools and guidelines based on these approaches remains limited, particularly for first-hand use by design practitioners, i.e. urban planners and designers, architects, researchers and activists, among others. This study aims to bridge this gap by introducing nine resource-sensitive and community-inclusive urban archetypes, supported by a UM analytical framework. These urban archetypes are based on the spatial characteristics of an inventory of 104 alternative resource governance systems in both the Latin America and Europe. The versatility of these urban archetypes is evident in their adaptability to diverse sites, geographical settings, and socio-economic contexts, as demonstrated by the selected projects. Furthermore, identifying the design tools used in these projects offers practitioners a tangible set of options that can be customized to meet the specific spatial and programmatic needs of future small-scale infrastructure developments focused on resource efficiency and community involvement. The testing of three urban archetypes in a case study in Caracas, Venezuela, showcases their capacity for resource harvesting and their flexibility in creating functional meeting and working spaces within a real-world setting. This also highlights the potential spatial qualities that can be achieved by applying different configurations in response to specific architectural programs or site conditions. The results of this study contribute to the ever-growing interest in the spatial dimension of UM and its practical application in the design of publicly accessible spaces, which can enhance resource management efficiency while strengthening community involvement.