Overview
Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas. It describes a particular model of development characterized by low population density, significant distance from central business districts, and heavy reliance on automobiles for transportation. The term often carries negative connotations due to its association with inefficient land use, increased traffic, and environmental degradation.
Characteristics of Urban Sprawl
- Low-Density Development: Urban sprawl typically features single-family homes spread out over large areas.
- Distance from Employment and Commercial Centers: Residential areas are often located far from job centers, making commuting necessary.
- Automobile Dependence: Due to the separation of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, there is a heavy reliance on cars for transportation.
- Extended Public Infrastructure: Sprawl requires a longer network of roads, sewage, water systems, and public services.
Examples
- Los Angeles, USA: Often cited as a prime example of urban sprawl, featuring vast suburban areas that expand for miles beyond the city’s core.
- Toronto, Canada: The Greater Toronto Area demonstrates significant sprawl, with suburban development spreading far beyond the city limits.
- Beijing, China: Rapid economic growth has led to the development of sprawling suburbs that are difficult to serve with public transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes urban sprawl?
Urban sprawl is caused by various factors including population growth, affordable land in suburban areas, and the desire for larger living spaces. Government policies can also contribute by encouraging highway construction and subsidizing suburban home development.
What are the negative impacts of urban sprawl?
Urban sprawl can lead to environmental degradation, loss of agricultural land, increased air pollution from automobile reliance, and higher infrastructure costs. It can also contribute to social issues such as segregation and limited access to public services.
Can urban sprawl be reversed?
Efforts to counteract or reverse urban sprawl include promoting higher-density development, enhancing public transportation systems, and implementing urban growth boundaries. Solutions like smart growth and New Urbanism emphasize sustainable development.
Related Terms
- Smart Growth: An urban planning theory that promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly development.
- New Urbanism: A movement focusing on designing walkable neighborhoods with diverse urban spaces.
- Greenbelt: Areas of open land around cities where development is restricted to limit urban sprawl.
- Zoning: Regulatory laws determining the use of land in different areas, which can significantly impact the pattern of urban development.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream” by Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and Jeff Speck
- “The High Cost of Free Parking” by Donald Shoup
- “Urban Sprawl and Public Health: Designing, Planning, and Building for Healthy Communities” by Howard Frumkin, Lawrence Frank, and Richard Jackson
- “The Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America’s Man-Made Landscape” by James Howard Kunstler
Fundamentals of Urban Sprawl: Urban Planning Basics Quiz
Thank you for exploring the detailed concept of Urban Sprawl and participating in our quiz. Continue to expand your knowledge in urban planning and its impact on the environment!