Post Modern Western City Flashcards
PMWC
An urban form associated with changes in urban structure and architectural design, reflecting the changed social and economic conditions of the late twentieth century in some western cities.
Characteristics of PMWCs
Fantastic Geographers Start Burping & Farting If Given Diet Pepsi . Fragmentation . Globalisation . Simulation . Beautification . Fortification . Information . Gentrification . Decentralisation . Privatisation
Fragmentation
. Cities are more ethnically diverse, but social and cultural inequalities and segregation are more common.
. The division between ‘rich’ and ‘poor’ is often stark and planned resulting in areas of extreme wealth alongside areas of extreme poverty
Globalisation
. Shops, services and business are global brands and companies, rather than local. This has led to the ‘clone town’.
. The high street begins to die.
. A service-sector based economy that focuses on niche markets.
. Telecommunications dominate.
Simulation
. Buildings often simulate heritage or other famous buildings/places.
. Cities planned in fragments, and focusing on aesthetic needs rather than social needs.
. Buildings are often iconic and architecturally unusual often resulting in shock
Beautification
Architecture is more an expression of art than function in PMWCs, it is very varied with decorative ornamentation more common, often linked to the heritage of the city.
Fortification
Security is a key concern in PMWCs, so fortress landscapes are often common.
Information
PMWCs are dominated by the service and knowledge economies – many people are employed in these sectors, with global companies commonly located in these cities.
Gentrification
This is a common process leading to change in the social landscape of cities, it also contributes to the increased polarisation between people in cities in terms of wealth and access to services.
Decentralisation
Edge cities are commonly associated with PMWCs, especially as the term was first used in North America to refer to cities like Los Angeles.
Privatisation
Cities are becoming more privately owned – this could be public space, streets, squares or shopping centres.
Modern city vs PMWC - urban structure
Modern City:
Cities planned in totality rather than in smaller
sections. Urban open spaces planned and
shaped for social needs.
PMWC:
Cities planned in fragments, and focusing on
aesthetic needs rather than social needs.
Modern city vs PMWC - landscape/architecture
Modern City:
A landscape dominated by very functional architecture. Mass production of similar styles
(suburbia).
PMWC:
A landscape where the architecture is more of
an expression of art than function. There is also
a greater use of heritage. Buildings are
spectacular, playful and iconic
Modern city vs PMWC - economy
Modern City:
Industrial economy focusing on mass production and economies of scale. Service sector gaining in importance.
PMWC:
A service-sector based economy that focuses on
niche markets. A globalised economy.
Telecommunications dominate.
Modern city vs PMWC - planning
Modern City:
Dominant commercial centre (CBD) and a
steady decline in land values away from the
centre.
PMWC:
A multi-nodal structure, containing hi-tech
corridors and post- suburban developments.
Edge cities may be evident.
