Syllabus Topic
Urban Places
urban dynamics
the urban dynamics of change: suburbanisation, exurbanisation, counterurbanisation, decentralisation, consolidation, urban decay, urban renewal, urban village, spatial exclusion
Urban dynamics refers to the various processes and patterns of change that occur within urban areas. These dynamics shape the spatial distribution, social composition, and economic activities of cities.
Suburbanisation
Suburbanisation is the process of population movement from urban areas to surrounding suburbs. One example of suburbanisation is the growth of areas like Parramatta and Penrith in Sydney, Australia, where people move for more affordable housing and a quieter lifestyle outside the city centre.
Exurbanisation
Exurbanisation refers to the outward expansion of urban areas into rural or undeveloped areas beyond the suburbs. This can be seen in cities where new residential developments are built on previously rural land, such as in the outskirts of many American cities.
Counterurbanisation
Counterurbanisation is the movement of people and economic activities from urban areas to rural areas or smaller towns. For example, in parts of Europe, people are moving away from large cities to smaller towns for a better quality of life.
Decentralisation
Decentralisation refers to the dispersal of population, economic activities, and infrastructure away from a central urban core. An example of decentralisation is the development of multiple business districts within a city, reducing the need for people to commute to a single central location.
Consolidation
Consolidation is the process of intensifying land use and increasing the density of development within urban areas. This can be seen in cities where older, underutilised buildings are redeveloped into high-rise apartments or office buildings.
Urban Decay
Urban decay is the process of deterioration of the built environment in urban areas. An example of urban decay is the decline of Detroit, once a thriving industrial city, which has seen a decrease in population and the abandonment of many buildings.
Urban Renewal
Urban renewal is the process of revitalising and redeveloping urban areas to improve their physical, economic, and social conditions. One example of urban renewal is the transformation of the waterfront in cities like Baltimore, Maryland, where old industrial sites have been turned into parks, residential areas, and cultural spaces.
Urban Village
An urban village is a small, self-contained community within an urban area. Examples of urban villages include areas like Greenwich Village in New York City or Fitzroy in Melbourne, which have distinct identities and community structures within the larger city.
Spatial Exclusion
Spatial exclusion refers to the process of excluding certain groups of people from accessing or participating in urban life. This can be seen in cities where marginalised communities are pushed to the outskirts, away from amenities and opportunities available to others.
Conclusion:
In summary, understanding urban dynamics is essential for effectively planning and managing cities. Each of these dynamics plays a significant role in shaping the spatial, social, and economic characteristics of urban areas, and policymakers must consider them when addressing urban challenges and promoting sustainable urban development.
Sources
YourDictionary: Suburbanisation
Evolve Housing: Parramatta and Penrith
Latitude Geography: Exurbanisation
Oxford Reference: Counterurbanisation
Cambridge Dictionary: Decentralisation
Cambridge Dictionary: Consolidation
Collins Dictionary: Urban decay
Cambridge Dictionary: Deterioration
Forbes: Detroit
Britannica: Urban renewal
ArcGIS StoryMaps: Baltimore
Oxford Reference: Urban village
Hsc geography: Spatial exclusion