human fieldwork Flashcards
What was the study question for your human fieldwork?
study question:
What impact has the Birmingham Big City Plan had on the CBD?
What was the aim of your human fieldwork enquiry?
aim:
To investigate the extent to which Birmingham’s Big City Plan has changed the CBD in a positive way.
What does ‘CBD’ mean?
CBD means Central Business District, characterised by high land values, limited space, tall buildings and excellent accessibility.
Explain the three theories your human fieldwork enquiry was based upon.
theories:
1) the burgess concentric ring model
- centre of city - CBD
- then, factories and industry
- then, working class housing
- then, middle class housing
- then, commuter zone
2) bid rent theory
- retail land is most expensive, there is least of it and it is closest to the CBD
- manufacturing land is quite expensive, there is quite a lot of it and it is second closest to the CBD
- residential land is the cheapest, there is the most of it and it is furthest from the CBD
3) urban regeneration
- the revival of old parts of a built up area by redeveloping or installing new facilities to improve economically, socially and environmentally.
What is the Birmingham Big City Plan? How long did it take and how much did it cost?
The Birmingham Big City Plan was a major development for the city centre of Birmingham, England. It launched on 29th September 2010 and it was set over 20 years (it is not complete). The five key areas were worth £10 billion.
Why did you choose this location?
why this location:
- easy to access
- can walk between sites
- enough variation between points for differences
- pedestrianised
- regeneration had been completed at all sites, allowing comparison
What were the risks and how did you reduce them?
risk assessment:
traffic accident - pedestrianised so stay away from congested roads, stayed in group, crossed at crossings
falls - careful, stay on pedestrianised roads so level streets, first aid kit
poor lighting - carried out in day, stayed on pedestrianised roads as they have lights, maps in case get lost
getting lost - stayed as a group, had maps, school phone number
weather - wear appropriate footwear and clothing, sun lotion, hat and water
knife crime and terrorist threats - ‘flight, hide, tell’, stayed in group, first aid kit on hand, stay away from potential conflict
What were your three sources of primary data, how did you carry them out and why?
primary data:
1) decay and regeneration surveys
- decay - 4 = no decay, 1 = a lot of decay
- regeneration - 1 = successful, 4 = unsuccessful
- to discover the amount of regeneration and decay at each site to enable assessment of success
- easy, comparable data
2) bi-polar survey of environment
- each statement rated -2 - 2
- the higher the score, the better the environment
- to discover the environmental quality of each site to enable assessment of success of regeneration
- comparable data
3) questionnaires
- ask 10 people at random to fill in questionnaire
- to discover public perception, allowing assessment of success of regeneration
- comparable data
What were your two sources of secondary data?
secondary data:
1) os land use map (bing)
- bing has a scale
- locate facilities before visit
- visually clear
- can see street view / birds eye view
2) census data (birmingham city council website)
- can compare to previous data
- could be inaccurate as taken every 10 years
- provides socio-economic data for local population
- can access urban issues that exist
Describe two ways in which you presented your data.
data presentation:
1) regeneration index line graph
- put crosses in boxes corresponding to your regeneration assessment and join the dots
- shows data visually for comparison
2) pie chart for questionnaire
- positive and negative responses in pie chart
- visual, patterns identifiable
Describe your analysis and conclusion of the regeneration index line graph.
regeneration index line graph:
- low percentages mean a more positive view of regeneration
- library was best with 31%, 1s for good access, had a good vibe, unique, excellent social interaction, secret garden on top floor
- then grand central with 50%
- then brindley place with 56%
- last is the mailbox with 63%, good for social interaction and unique design, but difficult to get to and the shops were too expensive
Describe your analysis and conclusion of the questionnaires.
questionnaires:
- 87% thought regeneration had been successful
- the authentic design of the library and grand central and the pedestrianisation and landscaping of brindley place was successful
Describe your analysis and conclusion of the decay index survey.
decay index survey:
- higher percentage means less decay
- the library has the highest, looking modern and clean
- brindley place scored the lowest with graffiti and structural damage
Describe your analysis and conclusion of the environmental quality survey.
environmental quality survey:
- the higher the score, the better the environment
- library highest 75%
- grand central lowest 38%, traffic congestion
Link your data to your original theories.
links to theories:
- the burgess concentric ring model and bid rent theory correct as distinct characteristics compared to other urban zones in Birmingham
- more high profile businesses are moving there, suggesting regeneration is succeeding
