Cetripetal/Centrifugal definitions

Urban sprawl

The unplanned and uncontrolled physical exploration of urban area into the surrounding countryside.

Urbanization

The process by which and increasing percentage of a country’s population comes to live in urban areas.

Suburbanization

The outward growth of cities to engulf surroundings villages and rural areas. This may result from the out-migration of population from inner urban areas to suburbs, or from inward rural-urban movement.

Re-urbanisation

The development of activities to increase residential population densities within the existing build-up area of the city. This may include the redevelopment of vacant land and the refurbishment of housing and the development of new business enterprices.

Counter-urbanization

A proces involving the movement of population away from inner urban areas to a new town, new estate, commuter town or village on the edge or just beyond the city limits or rural-urban town.

Gentrification

The reinvestment of capital into inner-city areas. It refers mostly to an improvement of residential areas, as well as residential rehabilitation and upgrading, there is also commercial redevelopment.