Contemporary Urban Environments Flashcards
Shanty Towns
Unplanned and often illegal settlements made out of any material available.
Urbanisation
-This is the growth in the proportion of people living in urban areas
-It usually occurs because of migration and natural increase.
-In developing countries, urbanisation can result in shanty towns.
Suburbanisation
-This is the migration of people from city centres to the outskirts of cities.
-As urbanisation increases, city centres become overcrowded and people desire more space.
Counter-urbanisation
-This is the movement of people out of the city into surrounding villages and rural areas.
-It can lead to new housing estates being built in rural areas
Urban Resurgence
-This is the movement of people back to the city centre.
-Common in many post-industrial countries
Why do megacities develop?
Rural-urban migration and natural increase. Migrants tend to move to large cities, and to cities that are expanding rapid economic growth, so their population increases rapidly.
World City
A city that has political and financial influence over the whole world.
They usually dominate international trade and regional economies in their area.
Economic developments in cities:
-Cities attract people from rural areas because they offer more job opportunities, and jobs are often better paid.
-As the urban population increases, businesses such as factories and shops grow in size and become more profitable. This leads to more jobs and wage rises.
-As countries develop, commercial farming overtakes subsistence farming as the primary method of food production. The decline in agricultural jobs drives even more people into towns and cities.
Social developments in cities:
-Cities tend to have higher living standards than rural areas.
-As more people move to a city and the economy grows, it can become a centre for cultural expansion.
-The migration of people into urban areas increases the mix of people from different social backgrounds.
Technological developments in cities:
-With the emergence of factories in cities, urban areas become hotspots for technological advancement.
Political developments in cities:
-Urban growth may lead to increased inequalities between rich and poor people. A new ‘working class’ emerges, often made up of people who work in manufacturing industries.
Demographic developments in cities:
-As cities become larger and wealthier, they attract migrants from all over the world.
-Urban areas become more culturally and ethnically diverse and new areas emerge.
Decentralisation
as land prices in city centres increase, businesses such a as shops and offices may relocate to suburbs. This has led to the rise of out-of-town retail parks.
Urban Development Corporations - 1979-1990s
-Use private sector funding to restore derelict areas
-By 1993, twelve UDCs had been established, helping to redevelop some of the most rundown areas of the country. However, the UDCs were criticised for ignoring the needs of local residents.
Enterprise Zones -
1981-present
-Established in areas with high unemployment. Their aim was to attract start-up companies to the area to create jobs by reducing tax
-By 1990, the EZs housed over 5000 companies, employing more than 125,000 people.
-Tax reductions encouraged existing companies to move their premises and staff to the EZs, which limited the number of new jobs that were created.
City Challenge
1991-1997
-Local authorities competed for government funding to regenerate deprived urban areas. They worked with the local community and private companies to improve the physical, economic and social environment of the area.
-Funding was allocated to projects that benefited the local community.
-BY 1997, over 50000 jobs had been created and 40000 houses improved.
Partnership Schemes
2010-present
-Since 2010, the government has worked with private companies to provide financial support and expertise for urban regeneration.
-The schemes are designed to improve physical, economic and social conditions in deprived areas.
Four physical factors affecting urban form
- topography
- Water
- Natural Resources
- Land type
Three human factors affecting urban form
- planning
- infrastructure
- land value
Inner city land-use patterns
They have high land value, so housing is typically high density. Wages are often low, and many residents live in relative poverty. The proportion of people from ethnic minorities tends to be high.
Rural/Semi-rural area land-use patterns
Land value is lower so residential areas are less dense and have more open space. Houses are usually larger and newer than those in inner city areas. Residents are generally quite wealthy and earn relatively high wages. The proportion of people from ethnic minorities tends to be low.
Town Centre Mixed Developments
- Areas where land use is miced so residential, commercial and leisure uses are combined.
- Developments are planned by local councils, often with private investment. The aim is to attract people back to city centres by giving them opportunities to live, work and relax there.
Cultural and Heritage Quarters
- These areas focus on the history or character of a city
- Such areas are often home to theatres, art galleries and historical buildings.
- They are often developed by local councils to regenerate former industrial areas. They attract visitors, encouraging economic development and creating jobs.
Fortress Developments
- These are developments with lots of security. They are often located in suburban areas of large cities, and only those with permission can enter them.
- They are designed to give a safe environment for families, but they are very divisive - only rich people can afford to live in or use them
Gentrified Areas
Often have a large range of services and contain high-quality housing.
However, poorer residents may be displaced as the cost of living increases, leading to social and ethnic segregation.
