Complexity, Coordination Dynamics and the Urban Landscape

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Based on my assessment, the manuscript under consideration can be classified as a review/evaluation article devoid of original research content. However, being a review article, the exposition of the subject matter appears notably intricate and may pose challenges to comprehension. Moreover, there is a noticeable prevalence of self-citations throughout the text.

Author Response

• With all due respect, reviewer 1’s comment “devoid of original research content” is wrong: I don't typically “toot my own horn”, but the research presented in my paper is innovative and original in two respects: Firstly, in the very application of coordination dynamic to the study of cities as complex systems. Secondly, in treating the urban landscape in terms of the theoretical-mathematical landscape.
• The exposition was improved in order to eliminate miss-comprehension
• Self-citations were reduced to the minimum needed/possible.

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript further develops an interesting discussion on applying Coordination Dynamics to urban studies, appropriately foregrounding the understanding of cities as complex systems. However, while the paper extensively explores coordination dynamics in cities, since it does not explicitly address the central theme of this issue (urban wellbeing), in its current state it is not suitable for this publication. For its revision, it is suggested that the implicit conceptualisation of cities as independent systems be revised, which is incorrect and requires a more nuanced understanding of the urban phenomenon in the age of advanced mediatisation. Moreover, the overreliance on self-citations and potentially truistic and overused concepts, which weaken the overall argument, should be corrected. Strengthening the paper with broader evidence and addressing established ideas in urban studies would be valuable. Lastly, in-text references should be removed from the abstract. 

Author Response

• I’m glad that reviewer 2 finds the paper “interesting” and “appropriately foregrounding the understanding of cities as complex systems.” Many thanks.
• In line with this reviewer’s comment, I’ve explicitly address in the revised text a discussion about the central theme of this issue. For the newly added text in this regard please see new sections in Red.
• Self-citations were reduced to the minimum possible, as recommended
• In-text references have been removed from the abstract.