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 the zoning, which can be fixed by law, it is possible that the construction of skyscrapers in a historic center may be prevented. The towers, on the other hand, can be lifted in the financial district. Simultaneously, the zoning can mark the minimum amount of places that must 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 resorts to the concept of system to reflect on relationships between cities. It is understood that an urban system consists of various urbanizations that maintain dynamic interrelations with each other.
Many times these links occur hierarchically . The settlements contract different degrees of dependence, with which some are subordinated 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.
The appearance of a megalopolis requires the development of conurbation . With spatial and population growth, the neighborhoods are extended, as are the suburbs and the periphery. Thus the cities spread and intertwined to 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.
For a market dynamic, a government decision or other reason, a neighborhood or an area begin to register a modification of its characteristics, with the opening of shops, the arrival of international brands, more constructions, etc. Thus urban identity is modified and a panorama arises with advantages and disadvantages.
An urban landscape that was in poor condition or deterioration, to mention a case, can be renewed with investments and greater activity. Although this benefits certain sectors, Gentrification tends to affect the most vulnerability groups.
While traditional inhabitants are forced to move against the increase in costs associated with the new reality, neighbors or visitors arrive who enjoy a better economic condition. Small shops, on the other hand, are difficult to compete with large stores, which have to close their doors.
Tourism is a frequent generator of gentrification. Because temporary tourist rentals are usually more profitable for owners, there is a displacement of stable tenants. Thus the urban physiognomy of the destination in question is modified.