Social evolution: A critical review of ecological city (ecocity) research and practice.

This article explores the social evolution of ecological city (ecocity) an important aspect of a sustainable society. Over the last 33 years, ecocity in theory and application has evolved along with broader trends in social thought. The original concept of ecocity emerged from activist movements as an approach to urban development that would respect environmental limits. The early concepts of ecocity interpreted the city as a living system that regards the evolution of the physical, social, and environmental. Unfortunately, although many ecocity projects market themselves as models for sustainable urban development, they lack social consideration. The purpose of the article is to describe social evolution in the research and practice of ecocity. Therefore, we can see the dynamics and gaps between the early concepts and the development of research and practices. This article describes this gap through a critical review of how the concept has been elaborated in theory and application. Social evolution can provide information about the crucial aspects that need to be completed and studied. Therefore, ecocity can play a role in a broader process of social evolution towards a more sustainable society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]