Hgap 6.2

Introduction to Urbanization and Cities

• Transition from early city origins to defining contemporary cities through data.

• Overview of urbanization and land use in modern cities.

Defining Contemporary Cities Using Data

• Cities categorized by size:

  • Metropolis: Large, densely populated city (e.g., New York City).

  • Metropolitan Area: Includes urban areas and suburbs connected economically and culturally.

• Variance in population data definitions:

  • China:

    • Towns: 2,000 to 20,000 people.

    • Small cities: 20,000 to 200,000 people.

    • Medium-sized cities: 200,000 to 500,000.

    • Large cities: 500,000 to 1 million.

    • Super cities: Over 1 million.

  • United States:

    • Urban area: Incorporates places with 2,500+ people.

    • Urbanized Area: 50,000+ people.

    • Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs): Core urbanized areas of 50,000+.

Data on Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)

• Population and Distribution:

  • 384 MSAs and 542 micropolitan areas in 2018.

  • Most populous MSA: New York-Newark-Jersey City (~20 million).

  • Smallest MSA: Carson City, NV (55,400).

• Analysis of urban and rural data sources:

  • Population Reference Bureau, U.S. Census Bureau, United Nations.

  • Importance of uniform data collection practices.

Urbanization Trends and Projections

• Current World Urbanization:

  • 55% population in cities; projected to reach 68% by 2050.

  • Urban growth: 3 million people per week.

• Urbanization Patterns by Region (2016):

  • High urbanization: Europe, North America (75%+).

  • Lower urbanization: Many African and Asian nations (less than 40%).

  • Projected population growth concentrated in less-developed regions.

Megacities and Metacities

• Definitions and characteristics:

  • Metacities: Regional populations over 20 million.

  • Megacities: Regional populations over 10 million.

• Current largest cities: Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, and others.

• Relationship between urban size and development:

  • Diversity of infrastructure in developed vs. developing regions.

Edge Cities and Urban Land Use Patterns

• Edge Cities: Business and shopping centers outside traditional urban areas.

  • Criteria include:

    • Over 5 million sq. ft. of office space, and 600,000 sq. ft. of retail space.

    • Morning population increase due to job influx.

    • Historied growth distinct from previous landscapes.

• Example: Tysons Corner, Virginia.

• Shift in job and retail development patterns in suburban areas.

Suburbanization, Sprawl, and Boomburbs

• Suburbanization: Movement of urban residents to suburban ring.

  • Growth fueled by car ownership and infrastructure.

• Sprawl: Unchecked outward growth, with issues like traffic and pollution.

• Boomburbs: Large suburban areas over 100,000 residents with fast growth.

  • Example: Mesa, Arizona.

• Recent trends highlight challenges and shifting due to urban growth and development.

Exurbs and Modern Living

• Exurbs: Suburban districts beyond the main suburbs, typically affluent.

  • Characteristics include dependence on automobiles and limited public services.

• Technological advancements enabling remote work contribute to exurban growth.

• Future implications include potential for self-contained communities further from traditional urban centers.

Conclusion

• Ongoing urban challenges and patterns highlighted in global cities.

• Upcoming discussions on worlds cities' impact on globalization and urban sustainability.