ENVS 100 Module 2: Urban Systems and Sustainability

Urbanization

the process by which large numbers of people migrate from rural areas to urban centers, resulting in the growth of cities and changes in societal structures

(Sub)urban sprawl

refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural landscapes, characterized by low-density residential development, reliance on automobiles, and a lack of cohesive urban planning

Low-density develoment

refers to urban planning practices that result in fewer housing units per acre, typically characterized by larger homes on larger lots, more open spaces, and lower population density

Smart growth

an urban planning approach that promotes sustainable, compact, and walkable communities to enhance quality of life while minimizing environmental impact

The 15-minute city

an urban planning concept where most daily necessities and services, such as work, shopping, education, healthcare, and leisure, can be easily reached within a 15-minute walk, bike, or public transportation

Zoning and planning

essential processes used by local governments to regulate land use, manage urban development, and ensure sustainable community growth

Fragmentation

refers to the division of cooperation and competition into distinct patterns

Amalgamation

a combination of two or more companies into an entirely new entity

Two-tier metropolitan governance

a model that breaks a company’s governance into two distinct board, one will oversee the running of the business and financials, while the other oversees long-term strategy and reputation

Interlocal cooperation and collaboration

refers to the practice where local governments work together to achieve common policy or administrative goals

What are the defining features of suburban sprawl?

1. Low-density, single-family detached dwellings
2. Automobile dependency even for short trip
3. Rapid growth outward from existing urban centers
4. Leapfrogging patterns of development
5. Strip or “ribbon” development lining arterial roads
6. Undefined edge between urban and rural areas

What makes suburban sprawl unsustainable? (think about environment, economy, and equity)

1. Low-density housing

2. Indefinite boundaries

3. Automotive dependency

4. Limited public transport

5. Environmental degradation

What is smart growth? Why is it more sustainable?

an approach to urban and rural design that focuses on land use, conservation of resources, and efficient development, aims to create sustainable communities by balancing economic opportunity

What do we mean when we say a metropolitan area is fragmented and polycentric?

the areas are regions with a high population density and close economic ties, or they are divided into distinct, disconnected segments

What are some of the mechanisms that exist for creating urban regions with fewer cities and more region-level decision-making?

integrated planning approaches that consider economic opportunities, environmental impacts, social equity, and quality of life

Polycentricity

describes a system where multiple centers of decision-making interact to manage shared resources