Valerie November
Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, LATTS, Faculty Member
- Urban Risks, Natural Hazards and Risks, Environmental-Societal-Geopolitical-Technological Global Risks, Risk Management, Disaster risk management, Disaster Studies, and 6 moreSurveillance Studies, Crisis Informatics, Community Resilience, Disaster risk reduction, Participatory Decision Making, and Disaster Cultureedit
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Critical infrastructures are receiving a great deal of attention, due, on the one hand, to the major malfunctions to which they are subject and their potential as targets of malicious intent on the other. Economic and political impacts... more
Critical infrastructures are receiving a great deal of attention, due, on the one hand, to the major malfunctions to which they are subject and their potential as targets of malicious intent on the other. Economic and political impacts are studied; increasingly high-performance technological solutions are put forth. And yet, these studies are very much marked by their systemic approach. In this article, the authors propose to look at a normally-insignificant event and highlight the different spheres (socio-political, economic, natural and technological) it consociates. Using an approach that combines human geography and the sociology of science and technology, this perspective allows us to have a more global view of the risks connected to critical infrastructures, which are characterized by their complexity and their high degree of interconnectedness.
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Résumé L’incendie peut-il contribuer à créer un quartier et à jouer un rôle moteur dans la construction urbaine? Cette question prend à rebours la vision habituelle des incendies, une vision catastrophique et destructrice, où l’incendie... more
Résumé L’incendie peut-il contribuer à créer un quartier et à jouer un rôle moteur dans la construction urbaine? Cette question prend à rebours la vision habituelle des incendies, une vision catastrophique et destructrice, où l’incendie ne laisse que cendres et débris sur son passage. Si le sinistre lui-même a des conséquences dramatiques, il peut aussi entraîner d’importantes transformations et contribuer à la création de nouvelles unités urbaines. Cependant, ce risque est rarement considéré sous cet aspect et les mécanismes procédant à la réalisation de ces transformations ont peu retenu l’attention. En s’appuyant sur un exemple (le quartier Saint-Sauveur à Québec), cet article propose une réflexion théorique sur les façons de conceptualiser l’incendie et le risque d’incendie comme faisant partie des forces qui concourent à la structuration de l’espace urbain.
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Dans la foulée des événements du 11 septembre 2001, la problématique des incivilités permet de légitimer des politiques sécuritaires souvent musclées. Comment cette situation influence-t-elle les relations entre l’État et le citoyen ?... more
Dans la foulée des événements du 11 septembre 2001, la problématique des incivilités permet de légitimer des politiques sécuritaires souvent musclées. Comment cette situation influence-t-elle les relations entre l’État et le citoyen ? Réduit-elle les compétences citoyennes en matière de «†civilit醻†? À partir d’études de cas portant sur l’introduction de la vidéosurveillance dans l’espace public, nous suggérons que la prudence est requise pour répondre à ces interrogations. Aux Transports publics genevois, par exemple, l’installation de caméras dans les véhicules va de pair avec une redéfinition de la politique de sécurité de l’entreprise. Plusieurs mesures viennent alors compléter la vidéosurveillance. Nous assistons simultanément à l’émergence de phénomènes qui perturbent l’autorégulation des comportements citoyens dans l’espace public et de manoeuvres qui réintroduisent du lien social. Ce point de vue permet alors de conclure en rappelant que la vidéosurveillance est davantage u...
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This book is a results of COST C19 “Proactive crisis management of urban infrastructure”. The action was initiated and supported by COST (European COoperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research). The action was approved and... more
This book is a results of COST C19 “Proactive crisis management of urban infrastructure”. The action was initiated and supported by COST (European COoperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research). The action was approved and officially started the 19th of March 2004 and will continue until the final conference/meeting in February 2008. COST Actions brings together researchers and experts in different countries working on specific topics. It finances networking of nationally funded activities in supporting meetings, ...
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Relying on the fecund interface of three fields—studies in science, risk geography, and knowledge management—this paper notes first that the lack of understanding of the relationships between maps and territory and risks is an unfortunate... more
Relying on the fecund interface of three fields—studies in science, risk geography, and knowledge management—this paper notes first that the lack of understanding of the relationships between maps and territory and risks is an unfortunate consequence of the way the mapping impulse has been interpreted during the modernist period. Then, taking into account the advent of digital navigation, the paper discusses a very different interpretation of the mapping enterprise that allows a mimetic use of maps to be distinguished from a navigational one. Consequently, we suggest maps should be considered as dashboards of a calculation interface that allows one to pinpoint successive signposts while moving through the world, the famous multiverse of William James. This distinction, we argue, might, on the one hand, help geography to grasp the very idea of risks and, on the other, help to free geography from its fascination with the base map by allowing a whole set of new features, such as antici...
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This paper focuses on the relations between different types of actors involved in both conceiving and using video-surveillance systems. More specifically, it deals with the reasons that support the growing use of video-surveillance... more
This paper focuses on the relations between different types of actors involved in both conceiving and using video-surveillance systems. More specifically, it deals with the reasons that support the growing use of video-surveillance systems, and the organisation structures and implementation schemes that are designed to cope with them. The analysis raises issues linked to the complexity of social and spatial relations that CCTV tends to produce. Based on four Swiss case studies chosen in function of different objectives (risks), different types of public spaces that are under surveillance (city centre, motorway, industrial zone, public transport), as well as different stages of completion of a CCTV project, the main results are to document new categories of actors: the definition of the relationship between CCTV-providers and end-users must be enlarged. Many more actors are playing important roles in terms of risk management and decision making while designing and implementing CCTV s...
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Abstract: The relationship between urban spaces, associated risk, and the notion of proximity has until now been subject to very little critical examination. It is, however, crucial to conduct a discussion on the subject, especially in... more
Abstract: The relationship between urban spaces, associated risk, and the notion of proximity has until now been subject to very little critical examination. It is, however, crucial to conduct a discussion on the subject, especially in view of the latest disasters that have made the headlines (notably in New York and Toulouse in September 2001, in Madrid in March 2004). On the one hand, it is widely understood that the consequences of risk tend to be more severe in urban environments; on the other, the categorization of different risks (industrial, social, environmental risks, etc.) within a space reinforces the probability of all kinds of disaster occurring. This line of reasoning will be questioned through a case study. By observing the practices amongst the different parties involved in identifying and managing the risk of fire in Geneva (Switzerland), we will propose the notion of connexity as a complement to that of proximity, as it is more closely related to the practices in a...
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In recent risk studies, some researchers have raised concerns regarding the focus on extraordinary events-sometimes called " extreme paradigm " (Gaillard, 2007). Simultaneously, we are witnessing a growing interest in the more... more
In recent risk studies, some researchers have raised concerns regarding the focus on extraordinary events-sometimes called " extreme paradigm " (Gaillard, 2007). Simultaneously, we are witnessing a growing interest in the more " ordinary " situations that must be handled on a daily basis in order to avoid crises (Roux-Dufort 2007, Van Laere 2013). In an interdisciplinary perspective of sociology and geography, we have analysed five different control rooms (traffic safety, air traffic control, humanitarian coordination, weather forecasting and electrical supply). This transversal perspective has helped us consider control rooms as specific spatio-temporal devices, where ordinary practices aim as much at crisis avoidance as at crisis management. We conclude that it is important to broaden the analytical perspective of control rooms; to no longer regard them as the source of action but rather as one aspect of larger socio-technical monitoring devices.
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Keywords: risques naturels ; montagne ; expertise ; aide multicritere a la decision ; gestion integree ; perception de l'incertitude ; information imparfaite ; fusion d'information Reference EPFL-TALK-152205 Record created on... more
Keywords: risques naturels ; montagne ; expertise ; aide multicritere a la decision ; gestion integree ; perception de l'incertitude ; information imparfaite ; fusion d'information Reference EPFL-TALK-152205 Record created on 2010-09-28, modified on 2016-08-08
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This paper introduces a methodology for resilience assessment of critical infrastructures based on massive data. The methodology is developed for the needs of the RESIIST research project. We start from the observation that the security... more
This paper introduces a methodology for resilience assessment of critical infrastructures based on massive data. The methodology is developed for the needs of the RESIIST research project. We start from the observation that the security of large cities has become a major issue. To ensure the proper functioning of critical infrastructures, it is essential to make the right decisions at the right time. To do this, managers are informed in their decision-making processes by several indicators such as resilience. As insecurity becomes more and more threatening with technological, natural and terrorist risks, it is essential to have an indicator of resilience of the infrastructures guaranteeing security. We therefore propose an innovative method of assessing resilience. It is innovative in that it combines both the genericity (it applies to all types of infrastructure), it takes into account several dimensions (economic, technical, social, human, regulatory etc.), it integrates massive d...
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Le projet RESIIST propose une methodologie et des outils de (a) recueil de donnees, (b) modelisation, (c) aide a la decision (d) simulation et visualisation (e) aide a la mise en oeuvre des decisions pour evaluer en temps reel la... more
Le projet RESIIST propose une methodologie et des outils de (a) recueil de donnees, (b) modelisation, (c) aide a la decision (d) simulation et visualisation (e) aide a la mise en oeuvre des decisions pour evaluer en temps reel la resilience des infrastructures critiques afin de definir les strategies possibles et d'operer des analyses sur des criteres originaux.
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Note: Cost C19 - Proactive Crisis Management of Urban Infrastructure, Universite de Geneve, Universite de Lausanne, Universite de Fribourg, Universitat Zurich. Reference ESPRI-REPORT-2008-002 Record created on 2008-07-08, modified on... more
Note: Cost C19 - Proactive Crisis Management of Urban Infrastructure, Universite de Geneve, Universite de Lausanne, Universite de Fribourg, Universitat Zurich. Reference ESPRI-REPORT-2008-002 Record created on 2008-07-08, modified on 2016-08-08
Based on two flood events that recently affected new housing areas in very different political, organisational and hydrological contexts, this article examines the practices of actors involved in emergency and crisis situations in... more
Based on two flood events that recently affected new housing areas in very different political, organisational and hydrological contexts, this article examines the practices of actors involved in emergency and crisis situations in Switzerland. In both cases, the actors are identified – through their role and their position in the various procedures related to crisis management – and an inventory is made of the documents used. The study examines how the flood events were managed, identifies the organisational changes that followed the crises, and determines how the risk was conceived and to what extent it was formalised by the different actors both before and after the floods. Finally new forecasting and warning procedures that were set up following the events are described. The study shows that floods have a decisive impact on the production of knowledge, but that this phenomenon varies according to the actors. Events such as floods also sometimes reveal the existence of "laten...
Note: Rapport de recherche dans le cadre de l’Action Cost A14 Reference ESPRI-REPORT-2003-001 Record created on 2008-05-15, modified on 2016-08-08
Abstract: En nous appuyant sur une étude de sociologie des sciences et des techniques portant sur une controverse autour d'une ligne à haute tension, nous avons l'intention de montrer que l'espace concerné contribue à... more
Abstract: En nous appuyant sur une étude de sociologie des sciences et des techniques portant sur une controverse autour d'une ligne à haute tension, nous avons l'intention de montrer que l'espace concerné contribue à remodeler et orienter la controverse, autant que celle-ci forge et modifie les espaces qu'elle touche. Avec la progression de l'analyse, la notion de lieu nous a semblé mieux adaptée à rendre compte de la complexité et de la variabilité de la géographie de la controverse. La notion de lieu traduit selon nous cette ...
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Résumé: L'expertise permet d'analyser les phénomènes et les risques naturels, proposer des mesures de protection mais reste soumise à de fortes incertitudes. Deux approches d'aide à la décision sont comparées dans une... more
Résumé: L'expertise permet d'analyser les phénomènes et les risques naturels, proposer des mesures de protection mais reste soumise à de fortes incertitudes. Deux approches d'aide à la décision sont comparées dans une perspective de gestion intégrée des risques. Une méthode associant l'aide multicritères à la décision, la logique floue et la théorie des fonctions de croyance peut s' avérer complémentaire d'une approche géographique et territorialisée des risques. Cet article pose la question des formes d'aide à la décision ...
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Résumé: L'expertise permet d'analyser les phénomènes et les risques naturels, proposer des mesures de protection mais reste soumise à de fortes incertitudes. Deux approches d'aide à la décision sont comparées dans une... more
Résumé: L'expertise permet d'analyser les phénomènes et les risques naturels, proposer des mesures de protection mais reste soumise à de fortes incertitudes. Deux approches d'aide à la décision sont comparées dans une perspective de gestion intégrée des risques. Une méthode associant l'aide multicritères à la décision, la logique floue et la théorie des fonctions de croyance peut s' avérer complémentaire d'une approche géographique et territorialisée des risques. Cet article pose la question des formes d'aide à la décision ...
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Résumé Dans la foulée des événements du 11 septembre 2001, la problématique des incivilités permet de légitimer des politiques sécuritaires souvent musclées. Comment cette situation influence-t-elle les relations entre l’État et le... more
Résumé
Dans la foulée des événements du 11 septembre 2001, la problématique des incivilités permet de légitimer des politiques sécuritaires souvent musclées. Comment cette situation influence-t-elle les relations entre l’État et le citoyen ? Réduit-elle les compétences citoyennes en matière de «civilité»? À partir d’études de cas portant sur l’introduction de la vidéosurveillance dans l’espace public, nous suggérons que la prudence est requise pour répondre à ces interrogations. Aux Transports publics genevois, par exemple, l’installation de caméras dans les véhicules va de pair avec une redéfinition de la politique de sécurité de l’entreprise. Plusieurs mesures viennent alors compléter la vidéosurveillance. Nous assistons simultanément à l’émergence de phénomènes qui perturbent l’autorégulation des comportements citoyens dans l’espace public et de manoeuvres qui réintroduisent du lien social. Ce point de vue permet alors de conclure en rappelant que la vidéosurveillance est davantage un moyen pour discipliner le territoire que les gens.
Abstract
Citizens and “civility.” The example of video surveillance cameras
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001 concern about uncivil behaviour legitimates toughened security. Based on cases studies of the introduction of video surveillance cameras in public spaces, we ask how this will affect relations between the state and citizens and levels of civility. Prudence is in order. Installation of cameras in the vehicles of Geneva’s public transportation system, for example, was part of the company’s reworked security policy. We now see at one and the same time phenomena that destabilise self-regulation of citizens’ behaviour in public places and efforts to reintroduce social cohesion. Our approach allows us to conclude with a reminder that video surveillance is more a technique for disciplining territory than people.
Dans la foulée des événements du 11 septembre 2001, la problématique des incivilités permet de légitimer des politiques sécuritaires souvent musclées. Comment cette situation influence-t-elle les relations entre l’État et le citoyen ? Réduit-elle les compétences citoyennes en matière de «civilité»? À partir d’études de cas portant sur l’introduction de la vidéosurveillance dans l’espace public, nous suggérons que la prudence est requise pour répondre à ces interrogations. Aux Transports publics genevois, par exemple, l’installation de caméras dans les véhicules va de pair avec une redéfinition de la politique de sécurité de l’entreprise. Plusieurs mesures viennent alors compléter la vidéosurveillance. Nous assistons simultanément à l’émergence de phénomènes qui perturbent l’autorégulation des comportements citoyens dans l’espace public et de manoeuvres qui réintroduisent du lien social. Ce point de vue permet alors de conclure en rappelant que la vidéosurveillance est davantage un moyen pour discipliner le territoire que les gens.
Abstract
Citizens and “civility.” The example of video surveillance cameras
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001 concern about uncivil behaviour legitimates toughened security. Based on cases studies of the introduction of video surveillance cameras in public spaces, we ask how this will affect relations between the state and citizens and levels of civility. Prudence is in order. Installation of cameras in the vehicles of Geneva’s public transportation system, for example, was part of the company’s reworked security policy. We now see at one and the same time phenomena that destabilise self-regulation of citizens’ behaviour in public places and efforts to reintroduce social cohesion. Our approach allows us to conclude with a reminder that video surveillance is more a technique for disciplining territory than people.