CUE: Urban Forms Flashcards
What does an Urban form Refer to?
The physical characteristics of a city, such as it’s layout, size and land-use.
What is natural resources as a physical factor?
Areas rich in natural resources can encourage development in cities, as resources support the population and the economy. (E.g. local access to building materials can support the construction of new buildings, coal and oil can be used for fuel or can be sold) this all promotes development and growth within the city.
How is water an important physical factor in urban forms?
Plentiful supplies of water are necessary for agriculture, sanitation and health. Urban populations with poor water supplies will have to adapt their land-use to conserve/optimise water supplies (e.g building desalination plants- common in areas located in arid environments, like Abu Dhabi). Water also acts as a physical barrier to growth, as it blocks urban sprawl (e.g. on a coastline)
Why is Topography an important physical factor?
Areas with flat topography are easier to build on, meaning construction can be more spaced out. Urban sprawl is hard on slopes- meaning building can be very densely compacted into one area thats suitable for building (e.g. the Favelas in Rio)
Why is climate and land-type another physical factor?
Unstable soils, permafrost, or waterlogged ground surfaces can be difficult and expensive to build on, therefore limiting urban growth. Influenced in several ways (e.g. having to construct buildings on stilts in permafrost areas as the ground is impenetrable)
How is wealth and development an important human factor?
In richer countries, urban developments are usually structurally safe due to building regulations, and social/environment effects are considered. In developing countries, urban growth can be rapid and urban sprawl can sometimes be unmanageable. Urban growth is severely limited by lack of wealth
Why is planning an important human factor?
Planned developments are considerate of space, safety and well-being. (E.g open/green spaces are often incorporated into urban areas to make the area more visually appealing and nicer to be in. Unplanned developments can be unsafe and potentially overcrowded.
How is patterns of growth a human factor?
Higher value land is usually in the usually in the CBD (Central Business District), and land decreases in value away from it. Wealthier businesses occupy the CBD, whereas less wealthier businesses are located further away. Business parks and large shopping centres can be located away from the CBD as it is cheaper.
How is economic activities a human factor?
Land-use is affected by the economic activities of an urban area, e.g. ports may be built for trade
How are past developments a human factor?
The original structure of a city may change how a city develops, such as limiting construction to protect important buildings, or poor transport links as older roads may not be wide enough for parked cars and two way traffic.
