Project Phase I

Framework data from Phase I

The first phase of m:ci took place in the period from June 2012 to October 2013. First, eight key sectors were identified for the future viability of cities: energy, mobility, ICT, buildings, production & logistics, security, governance and water infrastructure. Based on a global screening of best practice examples; successful innovations, technologies, business models and processes were identified. Out of the results, six cities, Freiburg, Copenhagen, New York, Berlin, Singapore and Tokyo, were identified as global pioneers in the area of sustainable urban development.

Objectives / Activities from Phase I

Interdisciplinary research teams from the Fraunhofer Society conducted a large scale analysis of the selected cities including intensive on-site visits, where more than 300 expert interviews were carried out and key leverage points (fields of action) for a future-oriented urban development were identified. In a further step, these research results were transferred to the m:ci urban system model, providing a holistic analysis of the city's performance and guiding the development of further improvement measures. 

The following contents were developed as the main results from Phase I:

m:ci Methodology: System Analysis

Within the framework of Phase I, the Morgenstadt methodology was developed and implemented. This is a multidisciplinary survey and analysis technique, which enables complex urban systems to be analyzed and the resulting knowledge to be applied for the development of integrated concepts and innovative solutions for sustainable cities. Data is generated by a mix of different methods, such as workshops, expert interviews, indicator surveys, clusters and cross-impact analyzes.

m:ci urban system model

From the results of the system analysis of the six selected pioneer cities, 83 fields of action for sustainable urban development were identified. This model offers the possibility of analyzing cities systematically according to their sustainability and to derive individual roadmaps, strategies and operational projects for future-oriented urban development.

Best practices, city rankings

In order to identify 100 best practice examples, an extensive screening of 300 good practice examples regarding city rankings, existing studies, etc. was carried out. The best practice examples are the successful structures, processes, technologies and business models for sustainable urban development. 

Morgenstadt City Reports

Here you can find our city reports of the frontrunner cities.

>>City Report Copenhagen | PDF 14,2 MB

>>City Report New York City | PDF 9,23 MB

>>City Report Singapur | PDF 7,90 MB

>>City Report Tokio | PDF 19,1 MB