Unit VI - Urbanization

affordability

the capability of individuals or communities to purchase housing or services without financial strain, often influenced by income levels and living costs.

bedroom communities

suburban areas where residents primarily commute to nearby urban centers for work and services.

blockbusting

the practice of persuading owners to sell property at low prices, often through the instillation of fear, and then reselling to minority groups at higher prices.

boomburbs

rapidly growing suburban municipalities that experience significant population and economic growth, often characterized by a high level of affluence and development.

Borchert’s transportation model

a theory that describes the evolution of urban transportation systems through different technological eras, influencing city development and patterns.

brownfields

abandoned or underused industrial sites, often contaminated, that can be redeveloped for urban purposes.

census block

a small geographic area used by the United States Census Bureau to collect and report demographic data.

census tracts

geographic regions defined for statistical purposes, used to analyze demographics and social data.

central business district (CBD)

the commercial and business center of a city, typically characterized by high land values and dense development.

central place theory (Christaller)

A geographical theory that explains the size and distribution of human settlements, suggesting that cities serve as 'central places' providing services to surrounding areas.

citadel

a fortress or stronghold, often located on elevated ground, used for defense and protection.

city-state

A sovereign state that consists of a city and its dependent territories, having its own government and political autonomy.

colonial CBD

An area in a city that was established during colonial times, typically characterized by a concentration of commercial, administrative, and cultural activities.

commensal relationship

A type of ecological interaction where two species live in close physical proximity and one benefits from the relationship while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

commercial spine

A linear zone in urban areas where high levels of commercial activity occur, often connecting the central business district to the outskirts.

concentric zone model (Burgess)

A theoretical model that describes urban land use in concentric rings, with the Central Business District at the center, surrounded by zones of transition, working-class housing, and affluent suburbs.

conurbation

A region consisting of a continuous network of urban areas formed by the merging of several towns or cities, often characterized by population density and economic integration.

counter-urbanization (deurbanization)

The process in which people move away from urban areas to rural areas, often seeking a higher quality of life, lower cost of living, or more space.

decentralization

The distribution of authority, population, and resources away from a central urban area, leading to the growth of suburbs and the development of smaller towns.

disamenity zone

An area within an urban environment that is characterized by high levels of poverty, lack of basic services, and generally poor living conditions, often resulting from socioeconomic decline.

ecological footprint

A measure of how much land and water area a population requires to produce the resources it consumes and to absorb its waste, traditionally expressed in global hectares.

ecumene

The permanently inhabited areas of the Earth, where human settlements are established and sustained.

edge city

A suburban area that has developed its own infrastructure and economic activities, often featuring office complexes, shopping centers, and entertainment facilities, typically located near highways.

eminent domain

The right of a government to seize private property for public use, with compensation to the owner.

environmental injustice

A social inequality where marginalized communities suffer disproportionately from environmental hazards, leading to adverse health and living conditions.

exurbs

suburban areas beyond the suburbs, typically more rural and characterized by lower population density and higher income residents.

favela (barrio)

A term used in Brazil to describe informal settlements or slums characterized by poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of basic services.

filtering

The process where lower-income residents are pushed out of urban areas as wealthier individuals move in, often leading to gentrification and displacement.

functional zone

An area within a city that serves a specific purpose, such as residential, commercial, or industrial activities.

galactic city model

A model of urban land use that describes the spatial organization of cities characterized by multiple centers of activity, typically influenced by transportation and globalization.

gated communities

residential areas enclosed by walls or fences, designed to provide security and privacy for residents.

gentrification

the process of urban renewal and redevelopment that often displaces lower-income residents as wealthier individuals move into a neighborhood, leading to increased property values and living costs.

ghettos

urban areas with high poverty and racial or ethnic segregation, often characterized by social and economic hardships.

gravity model

a model used to predict the interaction between two places based on their size and distance from each other, indicating that larger places attract more people or activities.

greenbelts

areas of open land around urban centers that limit urban sprawl and preserve natural landscapes.

Griffin-Ford Model

a model describing urban structure in Latin American cities, highlighting the dual nature of urban development with a wealthy sector and a zone of impoverished settlements.

hexagonal hinterlands

areas surrounding a central place, characterized by a hexagonal shape that reflects market areas or customer reach.

high-density housing

refers to residential buildings designed to accommodate a large number of units within a small area, often found in urban environments to maximize space efficiency.

higher-order services

services that require a larger market area and are typically less frequent, such as specialized medical care or luxury retail.

inclusionary zoning

a land-use policy that requires a percentage of affordable housing units to be included in new developments to promote socio-economic diversity.

incorporation

is the process by which a city or municipality gains legal recognition and governance status, allowing it to create its own local government and provide services to residents.

informal economy zone

a part of the economy that is not monitored or regulated by the government, often involving unregistered and cash-based transactions.

informal settlement

an area where housing is constructed without formal legal titles or permits, often under inadequate living conditions.

inner city

the central area of a major city, often characterized by higher levels of poverty, urban decay, and a concentration of social issues.

invasion and succession

a theory that explains urban change where new immigrant groups invade and gradually replace existing populations in neighborhoods, often leading to gentrification and displacement.

land tenure

the system of rights and responsibilities governing the ownership and use of land, including legal titles, leases, and property rights.

leap-frog development

a process of urban development where new construction in suburban or rural areas occurs without prior infill of urban areas, leading to scattered growth patterns.

livability

the quality of a place that allows its residents to live comfortably and enjoyably, encompassing factors such as safety, accessibility, and environmental quality.

low-density housing

a type of residential development characterized by a smaller number of housing units per acre, often featuring larger lots and more open space.

lower-order services

services that are needed less frequently and have a smaller market, such as hairdressers, dry cleaning, and convenience stores.

mall

a large retail complex that houses multiple stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, designed to attract a significant number of shoppers.

market area

The geographical zone from which a business attracts customers, typically defined by the distance people are willing to travel for goods and services.

McGee model

A model that describes the spatial structure of cities in Southeast Asia, characterized by a mix of sectors and zones that radiate from a central marketplace.

medium-density housing

a type of residential development that includes a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings, typically designed to accommodate more people per acre than low-density housing.

megacities

Cities with populations over 10 million.

megalopolis

a large urban region formed by the growth and merging of several metropolitan areas, often characterized by high population density and economic interconnectivity.

metacities

urban areas with over 20 million inhabitants, reflecting extreme urbanization and dense populations.

metropolitan area

a region that includes a densely populated urban core and its less-populated surrounding territories, often linked economically and socially.

metropolitan statistical area (MSA)

a region that encompasses a densely populated urban core and its less-populated surrounding areas, which are economically and socially integrated.

micropolitan statistical area

a smaller region that includes an urban core with a population between 10,000 and 50,000, along with its surrounding areas that are economically and socially connected.

mixed-use neighborhoods (mixed land use)

areas that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, promoting walkability and reducing dependence on cars.

mosque

a place of worship for Muslims, where they gather for prayer and community activities.

multi-nuclei model (Harris and Ullman)

a model that describes urban growth as occurring in multiple centers, each with its own niche, rather than a single central business district.

municipal

relating to a city or town, especially its local government.

New Urbanism

an urban planning movement that promotes walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use developments, and community-oriented design.

nodal city

a city characterized by multiple centers of activity and limited reliance on a single downtown area for economic and social functions.

nodal region

an area consisting of several interconnected urban centers that function together as a single economic entity.

pedestrian cities

urban areas designed to prioritize walking and non-motorized transport, creating environments that enhance accessibility and community interaction.

periferico

a term used in urban planning referring to the peripheral or outer areas of a city, often characterized by less density, lower land values, and different socioeconomic dynamics compared to the urban core.

periodic markets

markets that occur at regular intervals, often serving as important venues for trade and social interaction within communities.

peripheral model

A model of urban land use that depicts a circular urban structure with a central city surrounded by suburban areas and low-density developments, illustrating the spatial dynamics of modern urban growth.

population composition

the demographic makeup of a population, including characteristics such as age, gender, race, and ethnicity.

primate city

a city that is significantly larger and more influential than any other city in the country, often serving as the economic, political, and cultural hub.

public transportation

any system of transport that is available for use by the general public, including buses, trains, subways, and trams, facilitating urban mobility.

qualitative data

data that describes qualities or characteristics, often gathered through interviews or surveys, used to understand people's perspectives and experiences.

quantitative data

data that can be counted or measured, often represented numerically, used for statistical analysis and comparisons.

racial segregation

the enforced separation of different racial groups in a community, often resulting in unequal access to resources and opportunities.

rank-size rule

a principle in urban geography that states the population of a city or town is inversely proportional to its rank in the hierarchy of settlements.

redlining

the practice of denying services, typically mortgages, to residents of certain areas based on their race or ethnicity, leading to systemic inequality in housing and wealth.

residential density gradient

a model that illustrates how population density decreases as one moves away from the center of a city, reflecting urban development patterns.

residential zones

areas designated primarily for housing, focusing on the development of single-family homes, apartment complexes, or condominiums.

reurbanization

the process of urban renewal where a former urban area is revitalized and repopulated after experiencing decline.

rural

related to areas outside cities, typically characterized by open spaces, agriculture, and lower population density.

rush hour

the time periods during the morning and evening when traffic congestion is at its highest as people commute to and from work.

scattered site

a housing development strategy where homes are built on separate, non-contiguous parcels of land, often to promote integration in urban settings.

sector model (Hoyt)

A model of urban land use that describes how different types of land use and socio-economic groups are arranged in sectors radiating out from the central business district, based on transportation routes.

shantytown

a densely populated urban area characterized by substandard housing and poor living conditions, often arising due to rapid urbanization.

site

A location or area designated for a specific purpose, especially in urban planning and development.

situation

refers to the location of a place relative to its surroundings, including its economic, social, and cultural context.

slow-growth cities

Cities that experience minimal population growth and economic development, often facing challenges related to job opportunities and infrastructure.

smart growth policies

strategies aimed at promoting sustainable urban development, reducing sprawl, and improving public transportation and housing options.

social heterogenity

refers to the diversity of social groups within a population, including differences in ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status.

sprawl

the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into suburban and rural lands.

squatter settlement

a residential area inhabited by people who occupy land unlawfully, often lacking basic services and infrastructure.

streetcar suburbs

suburbs that developed along streetcar lines, characterized by lower density and residential communities.

suburban sprawl

the spread of residential, commercial, and industrial development into rural areas, leading to increased car dependency and environmental degradation.

sustainability

the ability to maintain ecological balance and meet present needs without compromising future generations' resources.

threshold

the minimum level of demand required to support a service or business in an urban area.

traditional CBD

the primary commercial and business center of a city, usually characterized by high density and diverse economic activities.

transit-oriented development

a type of urban development that maximizes access to public transport and integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.