Mega Cities

Question 1

Problem with Mega and World Cities on Urban Form?

Answer 1

• Within cities, much infrastructure is fixed – e.g. transport networks, power stations and sewer systems may have a lifespan of more than 100 years
• However, this infrastructure needs to provide reliable and high-quality services within both relatively slow changing urban forms as well as the rapidly shifting flows of people, resources and investment
• This is a problem for megacities that are interconnected within the global economy as they have to manage the intensification of both capital and people
• Also, this problem is further exacerbated where infrastructure is owned by many parties – including both public + private companies and individuals
• This results in decisions made on infrastructure without consideration of the impact on urban form