Abstract
This article examines the complex relationships between rivers and human societies, touching on historical, cultural, symbolic, and spiritual aspects. It contrasts modernist science and indigenous worldviews using Causal Layered Analysis to explore and anticipate the essence and function of rivers in future cities. As the rst series of a trilogy on river epistemologies, ontologies and urban futures, it emphasizes the rivers' dual nature of sustenance and destruction, their roles in shaping cultural identities, and their impacts on urban development futures. This paper seeks to explore the intricate connections between rivers and the evolution of urban spaces, offering a reective Journal of Futures Studies » 24/12/2024, 07:42 Flowing Through Time: An Epistemological and Ontological Examination of River Futures within Urban Landscapes * Journal… https://jfsdigital.org/flowing-through-time-an-epistemological-and-ontological-examination-of-river-futures-within-urban-landscapes/ 2/31 narrative on their inuence throughout history, their present signicance, and their potential future purpose. Through a blend of diverse perspectives, this piece aims to highlight the profound relationship between rivers and urban existence, underscoring their enduring inuence across time and space.