6.2. Urban trends and issues of urbanisation Flashcards
Urban Revolution
Major change in the form and growth of settlements due to significant technological advance
Urbanisation
Process whereby an increasing proportion of the population in a geographical area lives in urban settlements
Urban Growth
The absolute increase in physical size and total population of urban areas
Current patterns of urbanisation
- Most urbanised world regions are North America, Europe, Oceania and Latin America
- Lowest levels of urbanisation are in Africa and Asia
- Urban growth is highest in Africa and Asia (as they have the fastest growing urban areas)
Cycle of Urbanisation
Comprises the stages of urban change:
1) Urbanisation
2) Suburbanisation
3) Counterurbanisation
4) Reurbanisation
Suburbanisation
The outward growth of towns and cities to engulf surrounding villages and rural areas
Suburbanisation in Britain
The reasons for rapid suburban growth were:
- Construction of suburban railway lines (main factor in this development)
- Government support for house building
- Willingness of local authorities to provide piped water, sewerage systems, gas and electricity
- Expansion of building societies
- Low interest rates
- Development of public transport routes
- Improvement to the road network
Counterurbanisation
The process of population decentralisation as people move from large urban areas to smaller urban settlements and rural areas
Reurbanisation
Occurs when, after a clear period of decline, the population of a city, in particular the inner area, begins to increase again
Issues of Urbanisation
1) Competition for land - price of land and cost of rents
2) Renewal and redevelopment
3) Gentrification
Land use zoning
A mapping exercise by local government which decides how land should be used in the various parts of a town or city. (to remove land competition)
Urban Redevelopment
Involves complete clearance of existing buildings and site infrastructure and construction of new buildings
Urban Renewal
The process where an urban neighborhood or area is improved and rehabilitated. The renewal process can include demolishing old or run-down buildings, constructing new, up-to-date housing, or adding in features like a theater or stadium.
Gentrification
A process in which wealthier people move into, renovate and restore run-down housing in an inner city or other neglected area. Such housing was formerly inhabited by low-income groups
Reasons for clusters of high socio-economic status in the inner city
1) Some areas have always been fashionable
2) Gentrification of areas to become more fashionable