Urban planning is nourished by urban geography.
Urban geography is the discipline dedicated to the analysis of the organization and functioning of cities . Its object of study is urban space , examining issues linked to its location, distribution and territorial development.
This area of knowledge observes the various stages of the urban revolution , a name given to the set of historical processes that led to urbanization and the expansion of metropolises. It also investigates how cities relate to each other.
What is urban geography
Urban geography is a branch of geography : the science dedicated to the study of the Earth's surface. It is part of what is known as human geography , which in turn is part of general geography .
General geography investigates the link between people and the natural environment. In this way, it is divided into physical geography (focused on natural geographic space) and human geography (oriented to human communities from the spatial point of view).
As we said, urban geography is integrated into physical geography, which is part of general geography. In any case, it intersects with other geographical fields and even with other sciences, such as anthropology and sociology .
Marginalization and social exclusion in certain spaces can be mitigated with contributions from urban geography.
City planning
City planning is based on contributions from urban geography. This planning aims to achieve adequate planning for land use and to establish the conditions conducive to spatial transformation.
Planned urban development makes it possible to cope with the growth in population density, for example. The development of infrastructure , the configuration of public space and the expansion of the road system, among many other issues, must be foreseen.
When the architecture of a town grows, this multiplication of buildings poses new challenges. Those who reside in the homes have mobility needs, to mention a problem to be addressed, for which transportation networks must be established that adequately cover the entire territory.
Access to public services by all citizens, waste management and urban security are other factors that must be addressed through planning.
One of the tools of urban planning is zoning . This technique consists of dividing spaces according to their use, segregating those that are incompatible and taking care of the urban heritage.
Taking into account zoning, which can be set by law, it is possible to prevent the construction of skyscrapers in a historic center. Towers, on the other hand, can be built in the financial district. Simultaneously, zoning can establish the minimum number of spaces that should be in an area, thus guaranteeing that each person has a certain proximity to some green space.
Urban geography can contribute to the design of green cities and the construction of smart cities.
Urban geography and systems
Urban geography uses the concept of system to reflect on the relationships between cities. It is understood that an urban system is made up of various urbanizations that maintain dynamic interrelationships with each other.
Many times these links occur in a hierarchical manner. Settlements contract different degrees of dependency, with which some are subordinate to others.
The growth of an urban system can lead to the emergence of a megalopolis . This occurs when metropolitan areas grow rapidly and end up coming into territorial contact.
The emergence of a megalopolis requires the development of the conurbation . With spatial and population growth, neighborhoods expand, as do suburbs and the periphery. Thus the cities spread and intertwine until they form a unit.
Gentrification and identity
Gentrification is a phenomenon studied by urban geography that is associated with the transformation of an environment due to a change in residential and commercial demand.
Due to market dynamics, a government decision or another reason, a neighborhood or area begins to register a change in its characteristics, with the opening of businesses, the arrival of international brands, more construction, etc. This is how the urban identity is modified and a panorama with advantages and disadvantages emerges.
An urban landscape that was in poor condition or deterioration, for example, can be renewed with investment and increased activity. Although this benefits certain sectors, gentrification tends to affect the most vulnerable groups.
While traditional inhabitants are forced to move due to the increase in costs associated with the new reality, neighbors or visitors arrive who enjoy a better economic condition. Small businesses, for their part, find it difficult to compete with large stores, which is why they have to close their doors.
Tourism is a frequent generator of gentrification. Because temporary tourist rentals tend to be more profitable for owners, there is a displacement of stable tenants. This modifies the urban physiognomy of the destination in question.