UNIT 6 Quiz 3 APHUG

6.6: Density and Land Use

Changes in Urban Areas

• Population Shifts: Over the years, cities undergo demographic, economic, and social changes, often due to suburbanization which drives people away from inner cities seeking different lifestyles.

• Population Density: The migration impacts population density within cities.

• Density Gradient: In Cleveland, Ohio, the inner city displays a less dense population as individuals move away from the Central Business District (CBD).

Residential Influence on Culture

• Reflecting Culture: Residential buildings and land use patterns mirror and shape the culture, technological development, and development cycles in cities.

• Social Class Composition: The social demographics of neighborhoods evolve over time through a process called filtering, where the neighborhood's value decreases, allowing lower-income families to move in.

• Neighborhood Dynamics:

  • Wealth transfers where wealthier families migrate into newer homes while others occupy older homes, leading to a ripple effect on social structures.

  • Homes may undergo changes—large single-family homes can be subdivided into multi-family units or apartments leading to neighborhood deterioration and possible abandonment.

Ethnic and Social Composition Changes

• Invasion and Succession: This describes how one social or ethnic group replaces another over time, as illustrated by the Burgess model, which posits that immigrants or lower-income families initially settle in the inner ring and gradually move outward.

• White Flight: In the 1960s-70s, predominantly white families migrated to the suburbs, fearing that an influx of black residents would depreciate property values.

Urban Infill

• Definition: Urban infill involves developing vacant or under-used parcels within fully developed urban areas. This often targets single-family homes but can also apply to commercial spaces.

• Sources of Urban Infill: Distressed land includes remnants from former industrial activities, closed military bases, and old airports, capitalizing on existing infrastructure.

6.7: Infrastructure

Impact of Infrastructure

• Economic and Social Development: A city's infrastructure quality and location significantly influence its spatial patterns regarding economic and social growth.

• Key Infrastructure Components:

  • Public Transportation: Systems such as buses, subways, light rail, and trains, facilitating urban residents' mobility.

  • Transportation Features: Roads, bridges, and parking spaces are crucial for connectivity.

  • Buildings: Essential facilities like police stations, courthouses, and firehouses.

  • Distribution Systems: Essential services including water, gas, and electricity.

  • Collection Systems: Garbage and sewage management for urban living.

  • Open Spaces: Public parks and town squares enhance community engagement and leisure activities.

  • Entertainment Facilities: Museums, theaters, and sports facilities contribute to the cultural fabric of cities.

6.9: Urban Data

Qualitative vs Quantitative Data

• Qualitative Data: Gathered from field studies and narratives, providing insight into individual attitudes toward urban change. It includes interviews and observations, focusing on perceptions and opinions.

• Quantitative Data: Derived from census and survey data, it measures changes in population composition and size. It includes statistics on demographics based on income or age distributions and plays a vital role in urban planning and growth strategies.

Urban Sustainability (6.8)

Sustainable Design Initiatives

• Skyline Policies: Incorporate mixed land use, enhance walkability, and foster smart growth policies, typically guided by concepts like New Urbanism.

• Objectives of Sustainable Design:

  • Harm reduction on the environment through intelligent building design.

  • Minimize waste and conserve resources like water.

  • Create productive and healthy environments, both on a city-wide scale and within individual homes.

Urban and Suburban Sprawl

• Urban Sprawl: The expansion of city infrastructure outward leads to heavy reliance on cars, stressing urban infrastructure and diminishing land quality.

• Challenges and Solutions:

  • Smart Growth Policies: Alternative planning methods aiming to preserve farmland, introduce environmental protection measures, and slow down urban grow.

  • Green Belts: Designated areas around urban zones to restrict outward city growth and encourage sustainable land usage.

Criticisms of Sustainable Design

• Housing Costs: The initiation of sustainable materials in construction often leads to increased housing prices.

• De Facto Segregation: Socio-economic disparities may be perpetuated through zoning laws, fostering inequality.

• Cultural Identity Loss: New developments may replace historically significant structures, eroding cultural and community ties.