Urban forms Flashcards
What is the urban forms theory ?
The physical characteristics that make up built-up areas including shape, size, organisation of settlements. It is constantly changing due to social, economic, environmental, political and technological developments.
Characteristics and benefits of megacities ?
Offer opportunities to expand access to services, Less environmentally damaging as densely populated, Urban dweller have access to bigger markets, Better QOL, Centres of innovation
What are world cities ?
Cities that have great influence on a global scale because of their financial statues and worldwide commercial power.
What are the names for city rankings and examples ?
Alpha ++ cities - London and New York, Alpha + cities - Paris and Tokyo, Alpha level cities - Mumbai and Chicago, Beta level cities - Copenhagen and Zagreb, Gamma level cities - Bristol and St Petersburg.
Characteristics of a world city ?
Headquarters of multinational cooperations, Domination of trade and economy of a large surrounding area, High proportion of residents employed in service information sectors, Considerable decision-making power at a global level.
What is urban morphology ?
The spatial structure and organisation of an urban area, traditionally may have been affected by relief and drainage.
What is the main factor affecting land-use in HICs ?
Land value which is typically highest in centre of cities where accessibility is the greatest.
Why have some UK city centres experienced decline in the last 30 years ?
Development of out-of-town retail parks and decentralisation of business and residential areas which served to pull people away from the central business district.
Name 2 strategies used to increase attraction to the city centre ?
Creating more spaces and a wider range of facilities and developing cultural and heritage quarters.
What is gentrification ?
Buying and renovating properties often in more run-down areas by wealthier individuals.
Reasons why gentrification can happen ?
The rent gap, Commuting costs, The support of government and local decisions, Changing composition of households.
What are fortress landscapes ?
Landscapes designed around security, protection, surveillance, exclusion.
What are edge cities ?
Self-contained settlement which have emerged beyond the original city boundary and developed as cities in their own right. Largely the result of urban sprawl and been linked with social segregation where wealthy moved to new suburban settlements leaving the poor only the poor.
What does the term postmodernism mean ?
Changes that took place in Western society and culture in the late 20th century
What are key features of a postmodern western city ?
Fortress landscapes, Edge cities, Greater ethnic diversity, Flagship developments
What are the main land-use zones in a city ?
CBD, Residential, Green areas, Business or science parks, Informal settlements
