The Mind of an Infrastructure Planner

By Paulyna Lara

Every time I visit a new city, I like to find the highest point of view and contemplate that complex machine below. I suppose I consider myself more of a big-picture thinker than focusing on the details. This approach aligns with systems thinking, a mindset that infrastructure planners develop over time.

A complex machine requires every part to function correctly; similarly, a city relies on its critical systems—such as energy, food, water, transportation, healthcare, and communications—to operate effectively. Significant changes to any of these systems can have a cascading effect on the others.

In the face of increasingly complex challenges such as climate change-driven natural disasters, man-made hazards, aging infrastructure, economic disparities, and social tensions, the role of an infrastructure planner becomes pivotal. This role demands a combination of intuition, experience, creativity, and a willingness to cross disciplinary boundaries. By understanding how systems are interdependent, cities can prepare for, recover from, and adapt to adverse situations, thereby ensuring a sustainable future.

Imagine a city confronting increased stormwater runoff due to stronger storms. By upgrading existing roads to capture and store runoff and by incorporating natural-based solutions, cities can mitigate flood risks and maintain operational transportation networks during heavy rains. This infrastructure resilience is crucial for ensuring emergency healthcare services have clear routes to hospitals and clinics, even in severe weather. Moreover, the collected stormwater can be reused to support urban agriculture, enhancing food security. This strategy not only reinforces local food production but also boosts urban biodiversity and public health, offering a comprehensive response to stormwater runoff challenges.

So, next time you encounter something that isn't working as expected, regardless of the context, try to elevate your perspective and think like an infrastructure planner. Looking at the bigger picture allows you to identify patterns, interdependencies, and networks, allowing you to adapt or adjust those elements that aren't functioning correctly.