Spaces/Places Casestudy: Northwood, Irvine

Question 1

Where is Northwood?

Answer 1

• In Northern Irvine in Orange County, California.

Question 2

In 2018, what was the median income in Northwood?

Answer 2

• US $113603/year - compared to a national average of 63k.

Question 3

What is evidence of social inequality between Northwood and Jembatan Besi?

Answer 3

• Housing quality
• Environmental quality
• Crime rates
• Digital divide

Question 4

How is housing quality between Northwood and Jembatan Besi evidence of social inequality?

Answer 4

• Northwood accomodates high-quality, spacious single family houses that contains large lots
• Jembatan Besi is characterized by overcrowded slum housing, poor sanitation and informal - temporary structures.

Question 5

How is environmental quality between Northwood and Jembatan Besi evidence of social inequality?

Answer 5

• Northwood has relatively clean air, green spaces and well-maintained infrastructure.
• Jembatan Besi has high pollution, poor waste management and lack of clean water.

Question 6

How are crime rates between Northwood and Jembatan Besi evidence of social inequality?

Answer 6

• Northwood has a low crime rate of around 16 per 100,000 people
• Jembatan Besi has a higher estimated crime rate attributed to poverty and lack of policing
• Northwood, for example, is 61% lower in crime rate than the national average

Question 7

How is digital divide between Northwood and Jembatan Besi evidence of social inequality?

Answer 7

• Northwood has high-speed internet access, technological infrastructure and educational opportunities
• Jembatan Besi has limited digital access which affects education and job opportunities.

Question 8

Give context on the background of Northwood.

Answer 8

• Northwood is a community in the northern part of Irvine, a city in Orange County California.
• Irvine was developed as a fully planned city (different to Indonesia which is expanding through relentless growth), beginning in the 1960s. It is a classic edge city that had been planned to be a functional community that is safe and aesthetic.
• The city of Irvine was developed around a series of communities called ‘villages’ - Northwood is one.

Question 9

What are the socio-economic employment opportunities offered in Northwood?

Answer 9

• The University of Irvine is the city’s largest employer, offering a range of opportunities.
• There are a number of well-established high tech companies and HQs of corporate bodies such as Ivantis - as a medical company and Mitsubishi Digital Electronics, a tech company.
• Several TNCs have their US headquarters in Irvine such as Mazda Corporation, Kia Motors and Toshiba - meaning the area generates investment.
• The area is home to many new business ventures, offering opportunities to start-up companies in the venture capital

Question 10

What is education like in Northwood Irvine?

Answer 10

• Schools in Irvine are assessed as being among the best-achieving in the USA.
• The educational standard of residents is high, with 69% having first class degrees, and 20.5% possessing masters or doctorates