The importance of urban areas Flashcards
Define urbanisation?
The process by which an increasing proportion of a country’s population lives towns and cities
What was the worlds population in 1950?
2.5 billion
What was the worlds population in 2014?
7.2 billion
Define urban growth
The increase in the total population of a town or city
What was the percentage of people living in urban areas in 1945?
33%
What was the percentage of people living in urban areas in 2008?
50%
What is going to be the percentage of people living in urban areas in 2030?
66%
What is the current percentage of people living in urban areas in the UK?
85%
What is sub-urbanisation?
The movement of people away from the city centre towards the outskirts
Why does suburbanisation take place?
Increased car ownership Improved transport Wealth Desire for larger houses Quieter People can work from home - improved wifi
What is counter-urbanisation?
The movement of people away from urban areas towards rural areas (countryside)
Why does counter-urbanisation take place?
Push factors of the city: crime, congestion, air pollution
‘Rural idyll’ - pleasant, quiet and clean, house prices are cheaper.
Car ownership
Decentralisation of industry
Stronger sense of community spirit
Spread of broadband
What is urban resurgence?
Population movement from rural back into urban areas, often as a result of urban development
Why does urban resurgence take place?
Old people facilities
Suburbs are too expensive
City life is desirable - nightlife for students
Universities
What is the evidence for counter-urbanisation?
Increase in the use of a commuter railway station
Increase in house value in that area
Conversions of former farm buildings to exclusive residences
What is an example of urban resurgence?
The New York City High Line
What is the New York City High Line?
1.5 mile-long section of elevated rail track
What was the New York City High Line originally built for?
Carrying goods to and from Manhattan’s largest industrial district
What happened to the New York City High Line in the 1980s?
It was abandoned
Why was the New York City High Line abandoned in the 1980s?
Because the Lower West Side underwent a period of manufacturing decline
What happened to the New York City High Line in the 2000s?
It was successfully redeveloped as an elevated walkway lined with trees grasses and shrubs
How many visitors does the New York City High Line see annually?
5 million
What has the New York City High Line become?
A site for artistic commissions and cultural events
How has the 5 million annual visitors at New York City High Line impacted the area?
Increased spending in local shops and cafes as well as encouraging real estate development in the neighbourhoods that line its route
