Gentrification, Smart Cities, and Urban Transformations

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to gentrification, smart cities, and urban entrepreneurialism, providing definitions and explanations for essential terms discussed in the lecture.

Gentrification

A process of neighborhood change involving economic and demographic shifts, often resulting in the displacement of original residents.

Ruth Glass

Sociologist who coined the term 'gentrification' in 1964 based on changes she observed in inner-city London.

Rent Gap

The disparity between current and potential rental incomes, often exploited during gentrification.

Inclusionary Zoning

Local ordinances requiring a portion of new constructions to be affordable for low to moderate-income residents.

Pioneers

Individuals such as artists or students who first move into an area during the early stages of gentrification.

Sweat Equity

The investment of labor by individuals in renovating or repairing their living space.

Transitional Stage

The phase in gentrification marked by an influx of middle-class professionals into a neighborhood.

Condo-ization

The growth of high-income residential towers, resulting from the redevelopment of neighborhoods.

Soft Lofts

New constructions that imitate hard lofts while being designed specifically as residential spaces.

Hard Lofts

Refurbished spaces originally intended for commercial or industrial use, converted into living spaces.

Consumption-Driven Explanations

Theories suggesting demographic shifts and lifestyle preferences drive gentrification.

Production-Driven Explanations

Theories viewing gentrification as a return of capital to urban areas, exploiting economic disparities.

Studentification

The process of purpose-built student accommodations targeting high-end markets and disrupting local housing dynamics.

Urban Neoliberalism

A perspective where municipalities act as facilitators in a capitalist market, promoting free trade and deregulation.

Creative Class Policy

Strategies intended to attract the 'creative class' to urban areas, enhancing economic growth.

Hostile Architecture

Urban design aimed at deterring certain activities, often targeting marginalized groups.

Anti-Homelessness Laws

Legislation criminalizing behaviors linked to homelessness, such as panhandling or camping in public.

Smart City

A city that utilizes information and communications technology to improve livability, workability, and sustainability.

ICT Corporations

Companies that provide technology products and services, essential for smart city infrastructure.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

An approach prioritizing data analysis for urban management, often criticized for ignoring political contexts.

Landlord Tech

Technology that integrates real estate and tenant management practices, affecting tenant outcomes.

Gated Communities

Residential areas with restricted access designed to provide safety but often contributing to social segregation.

Platform Urbanism

The intersection of technology platforms with urban development, influencing city dynamics.

Public-Private Partnerships

Collaborations between government and private sectors to stimulate urban development.

Digital Divides

Disparities in access to technology and digital resources, impacting community engagement and opportunities.

Financialized Landlords

Landlords that use sophisticated asset management strategies affecting housing stability and eviction rates.

Homelessness Criminalization

Legal measures targeting behaviors associated with homelessness, failing to address the root causes.

Urban Entrepreneurialism

A strategy where governments engage in market-like practices to promote urban growth.

Creative Cities

Urban areas that emphasize creativity and innovation as key drivers of economic and cultural growth.

Mixed-Income Developments

Housing projects designed to combine both affordable and market-rate residences.

Interventionist Strategies

Policies aimed at actively managing urban transformations to benefit disadvantaged communities.

Community-Led Initiatives

Grassroots projects emphasizing local involvement and collective action in urban development.

Digital-Accessibility Maps

Tools used to identify and advocate for accessible urban environments for individuals with disabilities.

Cross-Disability Coalitions

Groups advocating for inclusive design and accessibility across various disabilities in urban planning.