Session 1: causes, costs, types and remedies of sprawl

Question 1

What is the difference between process and content of urban/regional planning?

Answer 1

Process = study and development of innovate decision-making schemes
(theory OF planning)

Content = research into development, design and optimization of spatial structures
(theory IN planning)

Question 2

What is the definition of sprawl according to Ewing (1997)?

Answer 2

relatively uncontrolled forms of urbanization of traditionally non-urban areas

Question 3

What is the difference between suburbanization and periurbanization?

Answer 3

Suburbanization is sprawl close to the city

Periurbanization is sprawl far from the city

Question 4

What are the 3 types of sprawl (according to Ewing, 1997)?

Answer 4

1. scattered and leapfrog development
2. ribbon and commerical ribbon development
3. extensive monofunctional development at low density

Question 5

Explain the 3 indicators/classifications/dimensions of urban sprawl

Answer 5

1. percentage of built-up area (PBA)
2. degree of dispersion (DIS)
3. land user per user/resident (LUP)

Question 6

What is the relationship between sprawl and car dependency?

Answer 6

Strong connection between sprawl development and growth of traffic volumes. Travel for residents of sprawled area use cars more often, and for long trips. Low density reduces public transit efficiency.

Question 7

Explain the positive feedback loop of sprawl and car usage

Answer 7

Car ownership and use means more trips, which increases traffic, which means more roads, which means more sprawl, which means more car ownership and use.

Question 8

What are the 3 of the socio-cultural aspects of sprawl?

Answer 8

1) Suburbia as an unsuitable human habitat
2) suburbia as the materialization of the American Dream
3) and the aesthetic problems

Question 9

What are the 6 societal costs of sprawl according to Ewing (1997)?

Answer 9

1. increase of car traffic
2. energy consumption and air pollution
3. infrastructure and utilities
4. loss of use value of land
5. decay of urban centres and village centres
6. psychological and societal effects

Question 10

What are the 4 causes of sprawl according to Ewing (1997)?

Answer 10

1. consumer preferences
2. technological innovation
3. state support
4. (semi-)public amenities and qualities of place

Question 11

What are possible remedies for sprawl

Answer 11

1. Traditional planning tools: such as zoning, minimum density requirements, demarcations (i.e. green belts)
2. Fiscal tools: such as spatial variability of real estate taxation, road pricing