Design and Operation of Integrated Infrastructure Systems

Catalog description

Urban infrastructure systems are more flexible and resilient when designed, interconnected, and operated as an integrated whole. These systems include Energy, Transportation, Communication, Water, Air, Ecosystem and Geophysical systems. The class introduces basics of current infrastructure systems and explores in greater depth how these systems can be integrated in design and in operations. Students taking this course will develop a framework for understanding integrated infrastructure design from multiple engineering and civic perspectives. Specific topics include: - Boundaries and boundary conditions between built and natural infrastructure systems - quantifying and normalizing materials and energy flows between built and natural urban systems - basis of physical, economic, and legal control of infrastructure systems. When appropriate, students will be able to develop new metrics to evaluate single system and integrated system performance.