8.2 Urban systems and urban planning

This set of flashcards covers the key vocabulary and concepts related to urban systems and urban planning, focusing on sustainability, ecological approaches, and the impacts of urbanization.

Urban area

A built-up area with a high population density, including buildings and infrastructure.

Urbanization

The population shift from rural to urban areas, resulting in an increasing proportion of people living in cities.

Suburbanization

The movement of people from dense central urban areas to lower-density peripheral areas.

Ecological urban planning

A holistic approach to urban planning that treats the urban system as an ecosystem, understanding the relationships between biotic and abiotic components.

Green architecture

Architectural practices that aim to minimize the harmful effects of construction on human health and the environment by using eco-friendly materials and methods.

Circular economy

An economic model that views waste as an error in the system and emphasizes the circulation of resources rather than disposal.

Biophilic design

A design concept that increases the connection between humans and nature through the incorporation of natural elements in urban environments.

Urban ecosystem

A complex system within urban areas that includes biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components interacting with each other.

Urban heat island effect

The phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and built environments.

Doughnut economics

An economic model focusing on balancing essential human needs with the planet's ecological boundaries.

Rural-urban migration

The movement of people from rural areas to urban areas, often driven by the search for better economic opportunities.

Deurbanization

A process where urban areas experience decline, characterized by declining population, failing businesses, and deteriorating infrastructure.

Microclimate

A localized climate within a specific area, significantly influenced by urban structures, surfaces, and human activity.

Invasive species

Species that are introduced to an area, often through human activities, and which can disrupt local ecosystems.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

A collection of 17 global goals established by the United Nations to address global challenges, including those related to environmental sustainability and urban planning.

Social mix

A principle in urban planning that promotes a diverse range of social groups in residential areas for better community cohesion.