IB geography urban environments case studies

Growth of Urban Infrastructure - Shanghai, China context

Shanghai: China's largest city with a population of 26 million as of 2020

located on the Yangtze River Delta, eastern China

Originally a colonial trading port; now a global megacity & financial hub

Infrastructure Growth Over Time - Shanghai China 1950s - 1970s

communist period

centrally planned industrial development under the socialist system

limited infrastructure - focus on heavy industry & basic housing for workers

restricted foreign investment = slow modernization

Infrastructure Growth Over Time - Shanghai, China 1980s - 1990s

economic reforms - rapid foreing direct investment

Development of Pudong New Area (1990) transformed farmland into a high tech financial district

construction of the iconic skyscrapers eg. Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower

construction of Shanghai metro opened in 1993

Infrastructure Growth Over Time - Shanghai, China 2000s - present

high speed rail network, Maglev train (airport link) & Pudong International Airport (1999) expanded global connectivity

Massive housing redevelopment - tower blocks replacing traditional neighbourhoods

environmental infrastructure: waste recycling programs, new water treatment plans, & green urban planning eg eco zones

Urban Deindustrialisation - Michigan & Detroit USA Context

Michigan state heavily dependent on the automobile industry

deindustrialisation began in 1970s - 1980s due to global economic shifts

Causes of deindustrialisation in Michigan & Detroit - Globalisation & competition

cheaper car production in Japan, South Korea, & Mexico meaning US automakers & robotics reduced factory labour demand

Causes of deindustrialisation in Michigan & Detroit- Suburbanisation & "White Flight"

middle class residents moved to suburbs - decline in city tax base - less funding for services

Causes of deindustrialisation in Michigan & Detroit - Economic Restructuring

Shift from manufacturing to service based economy in the US

Causes of deindustrialisation in Michigan & Detroit - Policy & Mismanagement

Corruption & poor urban planning worsened decline

2008 global financial crisis - GM & Chrysler bankruptcies hit local economy

Consequences of deindustrialisation in Michigan & Detroit

economic: massive job losses (over 400,000 auto jobs lost since 1950s) - city declared bankruptcy in 2013

social: population fell from 1.8 million in 1950 to 600,000 in 2020 - rising poverty & crime

physical/environment: urban decay - 80,000 vacant buildings, derelict factories & brownfields

Urban Regeneration efforts - New tech startups, & green renewal projects eg Detroit Future City Plan - population slowly stabalising

Where is London located?

South-east England, on the River Thames

What is the population of London as of 2024?

9.6 million

What type of city is London considered?

World city/global hub

What is the structure of London in terms of business and cultural centers?

Polycentric - multiple businesses, retail, and cultural centers beyond traditional CBD

Why is London economically influential?

It is one of the most globally connected cities.

Physical Characteristics of London

land use zoning - CBD : financial & commercial (The City & Canary Wharf) Inner city, mixed redevelopment (Battersea) Outer suburbs - residential & green space

urban form - densely built core with high rise offices, lower density suburbs, increasing redevelopment of brownfield sites ( eg. Olympic Park)

Transport Infrastructure - extensive underground with 14 lines, overground rail, buses, smart systems like Oyster cards

Social Characteristics London

diversity - extremely multicultural - over 300 languages spoken

inequality - sharp contrasts - wealthy areas like Chelsea vs deprived ones like Tower Hamlets, gentrification in east London has displaced poorer groups

housing- mix of social housing, private rental, & luxury apartments, rising prices - housing crisis

demographics - young population; large student & migrant communities; ageing in suburbs

quality of life - high in central & west areas; lower in inner city estates with high deprivation levels

Economic Characteristics London

economic base - global financial centers HQs for HSBC, Barclays

employment - shift from maufacturing in 1970s to services like finance, media, education

global connections - timezone overlap with Asia & North America; major role in global stock markets & business networks

urban growth - regeneration of Docklands boosted employment & urban renewal

Environmental Characteristics in London

urban microclimate - urban heat island effect; London up to 5 degrees celcius warmer than surroundings

Green space - 47% of city are is green space like parks , gardens eg Hyde park

sustainability initiatives - "London Plan" aims for 0 carbon new buildings by 2030, promotion of cycling

challenges - air pollution, congestion, waste management, flood risk

Challenges in London

housing affordability crisis

inequality & segregation

traffic congestion & pollution

climate change & flood risk

Opportunities in London

urban regeneration projects eg Stratford

Investment in deprived boroughs,education & job creation

Thames Barrier & flood resilience

Sparkbrook, Birmingham - Poverty, Deprivation & Informal Activity Context

inner city area south of Birmingham's CBD

once industrial housing: now one of UK's most deprived wards

ethnically diverse (large pakistani & Bangladeshi communities)

Sparkbrook, Birmingham - Poverty, Deprivation & Informal Activity - poverty & deprivation

high unemployment (10-12%) & low houshold incomes

poor quality private rentals & overcrowding common

below average education & health outcomes; reliance on social support

causes: deindustrialisation, low skills, & immigrant marginalisation

Sparkbrook, Birmingham - Poverty, Deprivation & Informal Activity

small scale community based work, home catering, childcare car repairs, street vending

often unregistered or cash in hand due to lack of formal opportunities

helps sustain families but offers little job security or benefits

Pattern of Residential Areas - NYC - income & socio economic status

wealthier residents cluster in high value areas (Manhattan)

low income groups in outer boroughs or public housing (The Bronx)

strong link between income inequality & residential segregation

Pattern of Residential Areas - NYC - Accessibility & Transport

proximity to subway lines & employment centers drives higher land values

central well connected areas attract professionals; poorer households live further out or in near industrial zones

Pattern of Residential Areas - NYC - Historical development

older, dense housing near early industrial zones (Bronx)

urban renewal & gentrification (Harlem) reshaping residential patterns

Pattern of Residential Areas - NYC - Environmental & physical factors

waterfront & park proximity (central park) increase desirability

low lying or flood prone zones (coastal Brooklyn) less attractive post Hurricane Sandy