urban forms Flashcards
what is urban form?
physical characteristics that make up a city
e.g size
shape
population density
where were major cities originally established?
good water supply
fertile soils
natural resources
defensive positions
natural resources
encourage development in cities as resources support population and economy
water
necessary for agriculture, sanitation and health
acts as a physical barrier to growth as it blocks urban sprawl
topography
flatter areas easier to build on
urban sprawl difficult on slopes meaning building can be very densely populated
climate and land type
unstable soils, permafrost or water logged ground surfaces can be difficult and expensive to build on therefore limiting urban growth
may build on stilts in permafrost areas as ground is impenetrable
wealth and development
richer countries = developments structurally safe due to building regulations
developing countries = urban growth rapid and urban sprawl sometimes unmanageable
planning
planned developments considerate of space safety and well being
green/open spaces often incorporated
unplanned developments unsafe potentially overcrowded
economic activities
ports may be built for trade
past developments
may limit construction to protect listed buildings
poor transport links as older roads may not be wide enough
land value (developed countries)
highest land value often found in the city centre profitable businesses (chain stores) normally locate there whilst less profitable businesses may be found on outskirts
Central business district
this is where commercial financial and business activities are concentrated
usually the oldest part of the city
age of buildings usually decreases as distance from city centre increases
newest developments on edge of urban areas
inner cities in developing world
high cost residential areas usually located within inner city such as luxury apartments and higher class estates wealthy immigrants from developed countries
inner cities in developed world
high land price means developments are densely compacted such as high rise flats where rent is often cheaper
often where industrial sites located
sub urban areas developed world
effective planning means that areas often have large open spaces and houses usually larger and more effected
commuting distance to city
areas on edge of city (developing world)
poor quality housing that have been constructed with no regulations
houses closer to city may have improved over time but newest slums often lack access to basic amenities
rapid urbanisation and poverty usually causes slums to arise
usually migrants from rest of country
new urban landscapes
more developed countries planning and investments have allowed emergence of new urban landscapes
town centre mixed developments
land is mixed
e.g luxury flats offices shops and entertainment
residential commercial and leisure combined
planned by local council often with private investment
aim = urban resurgence
cultural and heritage quarters
focus on history or character of a city
home to theatres art galleries and historical buildings
often developed by local councils to former regenerate industrial areas
attract visitors encourage economic development and jobs
fortress development
lots of security
CCTV guards and high walls
suburban areas
only those with permission can enter them
designed to give a safe environment for families but are divisive - only wealthy can afford to live in
gentrified areas
wealthier people move into rundown inner city areas and regenerate them by improving housing
large range of services
high quality housing
poorer residents may be displaced
edge cities
new areas of offices shops leisure facilities that develop close to major transport links
e.g motorway intersections outside city where land is cheaper
majority has developed since 1950s and 1960s as car ownership has increased
post modern western city
contemporary cities are changing industries architectural style and land use in order to keep up with socioeconomic changes in society
architecture and landscapes of post modern
mix of different styles of buildings with different meanings
emphasis on architecture
economy of post modern
dominated by quaternary and tertiary services
city highly globalised and orientated towards consumption
urban form of post modern
fragmented urban forms rather than things being concentrated in one area
multiple centres with different purposes (e.g high tech, industry, retail heritage)
culture and ethnicity post modern
highly polarised society that is diverse
many ethnicities
however large socio-economic inequality exists