Introduction to Geography People Places and Environment 4

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Introduction to Geography People, Places, and Environment, 4 e Edward F. Bergman William H.

Introduction to Geography People, Places, and Environment, 4 e Edward F. Bergman William H. Renwick Chapter 10: Cities and Urbanization Victoria Alapo, Instructor Geog 1010

Defining Concepts n Urbanization ¡ Concentrating population in cities ¡ Megacity – population of

Defining Concepts n Urbanization ¡ Concentrating population in cities ¡ Megacity – population of at least 10 million ¡ Currently, the largest city in the world is Tokyo (i. e. if you include the metro area) n Primate cities ¡ Large city with a large amt of national population, usually 2 ce as large as the next largest city e. g. Mexico City, Lagos (Nigeria), Bangkok (Thailand), Paris (France), London (England), New York, etc. n Urbanization Today ¡ Occurring rapidly, esp. in developing countries ¡ Inadequate infrastructure in many countries ¡ Caused by deteriorating rural conditions (push-pull factors); and this leads to “rural-urban migration”.

The 50 largest cities in the world.

The 50 largest cities in the world.

Beware of percentages; they can be skewed. Africa has more cities than you see,

Beware of percentages; they can be skewed. Africa has more cities than you see, as you will see on next slide.

Early Urban Societies (Including Culture Hearths) n Africa ¡ n Asia ¡ n China,

Early Urban Societies (Including Culture Hearths) n Africa ¡ n Asia ¡ n China, India, Middle East, esp. Mesopotamia – Sumeria, Persia and Babylon (Iran & Iraq) S/America ¡ n Egypt, the Great Zimbabwe, Timbuktu, etc Incas/Mayas/Aztecs Europe was urbanized much later on in human history. Europe was never a culture hearth (in the beginning). ¡ Greece, Rome

There were many Pre-Colonial Cities in Africa, many of which STILL do exist as

There were many Pre-Colonial Cities in Africa, many of which STILL do exist as the modern cities of today. This photo shows the ruins of the Great Zimbabwe, which existed prior to the colonial period. Some pre-colonial cities that still exist today include Ibadan, Kano, etc (Nigeria); Timbuktu (Mali); Kumasi (Ghana), and so on.

Lagos Island (Eko), Nigeria

Lagos Island (Eko), Nigeria

The problems of urbanization – urban primacy, housing, sanitation, traffic, unemployment, inadequate services, etc.

The problems of urbanization – urban primacy, housing, sanitation, traffic, unemployment, inadequate services, etc. Problems in this city (Lagos) are similar to those you will find everywhere in South America or Asia. See Video.

Urban Planning n Eminent Domain: when the govt. acquires private n Charter of the

Urban Planning n Eminent Domain: when the govt. acquires private n Charter of the International Congress of Modern Architecture (CIAM) property for the “greater good”. E. g. for highway construction, or other public projects. ¡ Codified the functions of the modern city (conference in Athens, 1933). That’s why many cities and esp. their skyscrapers, look the same.

Models of Urban Form n Four models of internal patterns of cities (1945) ¡

Models of Urban Form n Four models of internal patterns of cities (1945) ¡ ¡ Concentric zone Sector Multiple-nuclei Peripheral (1995) Reasons for the Forms: n n n Social factors Government Environmental concerns

CBD means Central Business District – i. e. , Downtown.

CBD means Central Business District – i. e. , Downtown.

The “Dual City” Phenomenon n Most African cities tend to be “dual cities”. This

The “Dual City” Phenomenon n Most African cities tend to be “dual cities”. This is mainly as a result of the presence of a traditional city center and colonial/modern city (Western) city center in existence within the same city. n So, most large cities in Africa tend to have “two downtowns” – the traditional and Modern. n This phenomenon was first recognized by Professor Mabogunje (1968), at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Modern Cairo, Egypt (Africa)

Modern Cairo, Egypt (Africa)

Culture in Urban Models n Contrasts to North American / Western models ¡ ¡

Culture in Urban Models n Contrasts to North American / Western models ¡ ¡ ¡ Traditional Islamic, e. g. Morocco Traditional African e. g. Western Nigeria Latin America

Growth of Suburbs n U. S. phenomenon due to prosperity n Early suburbs developed

Growth of Suburbs n U. S. phenomenon due to prosperity n Early suburbs developed because of: ¡ ¡ n Cultural preference for rural living Henry Ford – cars, ability to commute Later on due to Government policies: ¡ ¡ ¡ FHA loan program Tax incentives Returning veterans

Consequences of Suburban Infrastructure Suburban Sprawl causes problems e. g. n Environmental ¡ n

Consequences of Suburban Infrastructure Suburban Sprawl causes problems e. g. n Environmental ¡ n n n Leapfrogging of development Job movement and creation e. g. strip malls High costs ¡ ¡ n Using up “prime farmland” Energy, infrastructure expense, etc Commuting patterns / transportation/ rush hour Residential segregation/ restrictive covenants

Central Cities Decline n n 1970 -1995: Economic decline & loss of jobs Due

Central Cities Decline n n 1970 -1995: Economic decline & loss of jobs Due to “White flight”-- population loss to suburbs, leading to deteriorating housing and neighborhoods Solutions/New Patterns: n Reclaiming “brownfields” – i. e. old abandoned factories n Gentrification ¡ n Rediscovering of urban living by Yuppies / empty nesters New Urbanism (“Smart Growth”) ¡ ¡ Recreate “small-town America” e. g. Celebration, FL; Seaside, FL; Bowling Green, KY, etc. Encourages less dependence on cars