The fourth CM3 workshop, delivered by Mark Enzer, a Strategic Advisory Director from Mott MacDonald, explored the CDT theme of risk-based systems thinking and connectivity in the built environment. Mark emphasised that the built environment is a system of systems, integrating economic, social, and natural infrastructures. He highlighted the need to break down silos, promote data sharing, and apply systems thinking to drive positive change. The workshop also covered the role of digital twins, co-investment strategies, and holistic approaches to achieving net zero, climate resilience, and infrastructure equity.
During the 2nd half of the session, Mark asked the students to have an initial go at creating a systems diagram for themselves. He stressed the importance of thinking about the outcomes first, and to use the diagram to illustrate the connections between the inputs and the components of the system, and how to tweak these to achieve the desired outcomes. The students worked in small groups on topics of their choice – one group looked at Flood Prevention and Water Quality, another Sewage Treatment, and the 3rd, Urban Congestion. Everyone came together at the end to present their diagrams and receive feedback from Mark. This lead nicely on to the brief for main assignment – building on what they learned in the workshop, the students were tasked with individually producing a systems diagram of any aspect of the built environment, along with some descriptive text, to illustrate an approach that would improve outcomes for people and nature.