Ch. 1, 2 - Fundamentals of Cities, Urban Transitions Flashcards
Name the seven properties which are fundamental to understanding the urban phenomenon
Production
Proximity
Reproduction
Capitalization
Place
Governance
Environment
Who would be in charge of making change in ancient urban areas?
Kings/ Royalty, Church’s, Priests, etc.
Pressures on cities that can’t be controlled, only responded to
Exogenous Pressures
ex: Climate Change, Natural Disasters
Pressure on cities that can be controlled in some way
Endogenous Pressures
ex: Immigration, Old Infrastructure
What are the seven inter-related “factors of change”?
Economy
Demography
Technology
Governance,
Values
Planning Models
Urban growth or shrinkage
When and who came up with the “Garden City”
Ebenezer Howard in 1898
What was the purpose of the Garden City?
It was made in response to the Industrial Revolution, and the dark, gloomy, and suppressive tones that cities were forming as a result.
It involved self-contained urban communities bordered by “greenbelts” which contained proportionate areas of residences, agriculture, and industry
When and who implemented the “Towers in the Park” modernist style?
Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier first came up with the idea in the late 1940s in NYC. This modernist style was integrated into cities like NYC and Toronto in the 60s and 70s
Le Corbusier is known as one of the pioneers of modernist architecture
What is the “Towers in the Park” style?
High-rise buildings built further from the sidewalk, leaving room on the property around the edifice for parking, lawns, trees, and other landscaping.
They are typically simple, brick-clad high-rise buildings with rectangular footprints and little ornamentation other than repeating series of balconies for each apartment
This type of urban planning layout can be found in Brasilia, and it’s really terrible! It doesn’t function well.
What is New Urbanism?
An urban design movement which promotes environmentally friendly habits by creating walkable neighbourhoods containing a wide range of housing and job types.
It arose in the United States in the early 1980s, and has gradually influenced many aspects of real estate development, urban planning, and municipal land-use strategies.
Originated in the 1970s and 80s
Street level access, greenery, controlled density. Connection to the street from the home
This is a key aspect of city social life and connection.
By designing residential areas to be more interconnected, but not over-dense,
What were the main modes of transport in Canadian Urban Areas from the beginning of Urban formation to Post-WW2?
Walking, Cycling, Horse and Railroad
Suburbs were first made when tracks for trolleys and railroads were overlaid on top of sidewalks and cycling paths.
Horses were also a way of getting around before cars came into the picture
Describe the transportation trends from 1945-1975
Highway era begins after the war.
Urban dispersion happened to the max. Highways go wild! Henry Ford’s T-1 car was the beginning of this craze for roads and automobiles.
America started building millions of homes for veterans and their families after WW2. Suburban living was heavily advertised and seen as a solution. It became reality.
Suburbia is not somewhere you can walk, train, or cycle to. You must drive!
Canada didn’t go as car-crazy as America. Highways, and driving, are almost a part of the American identity and national pride
Describe the North American perspective on transportation that began around ~1975
People began questioning their dependence on cars, and the way urban settlements were designed.
Obesity numbers are higher than ever, influenced by the number of people driving
The cons of the freeway era really start to become apparent, especially in America where highways are more predominant and prevalent than they were in Canada.
What are the five most important principles of City Planning, as determined by the class?
- Social Participation
- Green Space
- Local Economies
- Connectivity
- Public Safety
