This research project examined the practical applications of Ecological Succession Theory to phased urban development planning. 
      
          Ecological succession is a process which transforms a particular ecosystem from a stage of minimal biodiversity, known as the prepioneer stage, into a state of high biodiversity known as the climax community. Pre-pioneer conditions are often set by major climatic shifts (e.g. ice age, rapid sea-level rise, desertification etc.) or an external disturbance (e.g. forest fire, volcanic eruption, meteor impact, etc.).

 

          Like ecosystems, urban economies are vastly complex systems. A vast number of factors contribute to how cities develop (or decline) over time. Exogenous factors like the political and regulatory climate, cultural preferences, environment and natural climate, technological innovation, demographic composition, the global supply chain etc. can change unpredictably and therefore affect the trajectory of urban economies. Moreover, globalization has dramatically changed the state of economic and employment stability the world over. In today’s global economic climate, there is no guarantee that even a currently booming industry will continue to prosper in the future. Despite these known challenges, many city planners continue to plan cities according to a rigid Euclidean Zoning model. Succession planning is a much more flexible and adaptable means of land use planning.