SUCCESSION

Succession refers to evolution towards symbiosis. It is growth with an increasing diversity of species interacting with each other in a symbiotic and mutually supportive harmony. When the term is applied to urban development as a metaphor, it refers to maturing relationships between various activities that take place in an urban neighborhood. When administrative systems enable members agility to adopt and respond to new conditions to create stronger social ties and stronger support between productive and communal activities, the increasing complexity in social relations resembles the biodiversity of a symbiotic ecosystem.

 

Succession, within the context of hyperlocal urbanism, implies increasing conviviality, diversity, and richness in social interactions. It also implies a diversified local economy thriving through networking and mutual support, as well as competition. This requires a governing system and social order that enables small entrepreneurs to fill in with ease the niches that emerge in the market with the changing times. These niches usually correspond to well-needed support services that help communities to become financially more resilient and self-sufficient.

 

In terms of the development of the physical environment, succession requires agility in transformation and metamorphosis. The physical environment needs to be altered to support symbiotic relationships. Remodeling, replacing, consolidating, subdividing, reusing, repurposing, and adding are crucial building construction activities in achieving succession.