Urban Forms

Question 1

Define a megacity

Answer 1

A city with a population over 10 million

Question 2

Describe the characteristics of a world city

Answer 2

• Strong connections with other countries
• Famous for their knowledge, expertise and political stability
• Well known in the global economy

Question 3

How to world cities contribute to economic growth?

Answer 3

• Provide jobs

- Act as a hub for economic growth which is transferred to smaller regional scales

Question 4

How are cities so productive?

Answer 4

• Strong coordination
• Good political decision making
• Easy to transport goods around the city

Question 5

Explain how world cities attract business

Answer 5

TNC’s locate in world cities as they benefit from the economic stability

Question 6

Explain the production role in world cities

Answer 6

TNC’s often base their headquarters in the city with their production elsewhere

Question 7

Explain the need for political stability in world cities

Answer 7

• Political leaders influence trading and economic agreements with other countries
• Reliable policies must be enforced to guarantee success

Question 8

Describe town centre mixed use development

Answer 8

Combining residential, cultural, commercial and industrial uses

Question 9

What’s the purpose of cultural heritage quarters

Answer 9

To encourage growth and revitalise the local economy in the arts and creative industries

Question 10

What are fortress developments + give some examples

Answer 10

A defensive space surrounded by a physical or planned border

e.g. gated communities, shopping complexes patrolled by security

Question 11

Why are fortress developments attractive to certain groups

Answer 11

Middle class families move to gated residential areas for a sense of safety and security

Question 12

What is gentrification

Answer 12

Individuals invest money into properties to increase their value

Question 13

Describe the effects of gentrified areas

Answer 13

• Positive multiplier effect; local ammonites will change to suit the new community
• Increases the wealth gap, some low income families cannot afford to pay the new prices

Question 14

How are edge cities formed

Answer 14

Suburbanisation and decentralisation creates centres with city-like characteristic

Question 15

Name some characteristics of edge cities

Answer 15

• Mixed office, residential and leisure spaces

- Often found near a motorway or main road

Question 16

What is a postmodern city

Answer 16

Changes in urban structure, architecture and planning to reflect the changed social and economic conditions of the late 20th century

Question 17

Name some characteristic of a postmodern city

Answer 17

• Unusual architecture
• Great ethnic diversity
• Service sector dominated
• Flagship developments

Question 18

Name some reasons that might cause urban form to change over time

Answer 18

• Population growth
• Government policies (may restrict or encourage change)
• Movement of industries

Question 19

Name some characteristics of a mega city

Answer 19

• Urban growth
• Edge cities
• Redevelopment and conservation
• Environmental problems