Urbanization, Cities, and Sustainability Notes
Micropolitan Area
Definition: Population between 10,000 - 50,000 people.
Structure: Smaller cities and surrounding towns/counties.
Urbanization and Suburbanization
Urbanization: The movement of people from rural areas to cities.
Suburbanization: Population shift from central urban areas to suburbs, leading to the formation of suburban sprawl.
Results in growth of low-density, peripheral urban areas as households and businesses move out of city centers.
Factors Influencing Urbanization
Transportation: Innovations have reshaped cities' layouts and sizes.
Communication: Enhanced communication systems allow businesses to expand, fostering city growth.
Rural to Urban Migration: Movement of typically farmers to urban centers for job opportunities.
Redevelopment: Activities aimed at revitalizing economically challenged areas.
Urban Definitions
Megacities: Cities with 10 million inhabitants or more (e.g., Cairo, Mumbai).
Metacities: Cities with 20 million inhabitants or more (e.g., Tokyo, Delhi).
Megalopolis: Region where several large cities and surrounding areas grow together.
Edge Cities: Nodes of economic activity developing on the outskirts of large cities.
Exurbs: Prosperous areas found outside traditional suburbs.
Boomburbs: Fast-growing communities of over 100,000 residents, not the largest city in the region.
World City (Global City): Dominant cities in global economics (e.g., Tokyo, Paris).
Urban Hierarchy and Types of Cities
Ranked by: Population size, economic function, services provided.
Types:
World City: New York, London, Tokyo
Megalopolis: BosNYwash - Boston to Washington D.C.
Alpha City: Major regional nodes; e.g., New York, London.
Beta City: Secondary nodes; e.g., Washington D.C., Dallas.
Gamma City: Tertiary nodes; e.g., Cleveland, Austin.
Urban Internal Structure Models
Multiple Nuclei Model (Harris & Ullman, 1945): CBD divided into several nodes, transport hubs near industries.
Concentric-Zone Model (Burgess): City divided into five concentric zones around CBD.
Sector Model (Hoyt): Zones expand along transport corridors in a wedge-shape.
Galactic City Model: Features an inner city surrounded by suburban residential and business areas.
Density and Land Use
Density Types:
Low-Density: Residential homes, open space (Suburbs).
Medium-Density: Townhomes, single units.
High-Density: High-rises (cities).
Infiling: Increasing urban center population density by building on underused land.
Urban Infrastructure and Politics
Infrastructure's role: impacts economic/social development.
Challenges: Developing cities struggle to meet infrastructure demands due to rapid population growth.
Urban Sustainability Initiatives
Greenbelts: Areas limiting urban sprawl, providing recreational areas and maintaining natural spaces.
Smart-Growth: Urban planning to manage development sustainably.
New Urbanism: Promoting walkability, mixed-use neighborhoods.
Urban Challenges
Segregation Types:
De Facto Segregation: Occurs informally, often a result of socio-economic conditions.
Gentrification: Wealthier individuals move in, restoring neighborhoods but displacing current residents.
Affordable Housing: Housing for those below median income levels.
Environmental Justice: Addresses pollution exposure among marginalized communities.
Quantitative and Qualitative Urban Data
Quantitative: Census data provides population statistics and demographic insights.
Qualitative: Field studies reveal community attitudes toward urban change.
Urban Sustainability Challenges and Responses
Challenges: Squatter settlements, disamenity zones, and urban sprawl leading to environmental deterioration.
Responses: Regional planning, redevelopment of brownfields, and urban growth boundaries aiming to protect agricultural land.
Ecological Footprint: Measures human impacts on the environment, guides sustainable practices for urban development.