Urban Density and Land Use Patterns [AP Human Geography Unit 6 Topic 6]

Summary

This video explains how city density and land use patterns change as you move away from the Central Business District (CBD). It covers the bid rent theory, showing how land prices decrease with distance from the CBD, influencing the development of high-density areas with skyscrapers and mixed-use buildings. As we move to medium-density and low-density areas, the land becomes cheaper, and more residential spaces like townhomes and single-family homes appear. The video also explores urban sprawl, the role of transportation in urban development, and how businesses follow people to suburban areas. Understanding these patterns is crucial for urban planning and development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The density gradient of a city changes as you move farther away from the CBD, with population density decreasing and land prices lowering as you move outward.
• 😀 The bid rent theory explains how land prices are higher near the CBD due to limited space and high demand, influencing the density gradient of a city.
• 😀 High-density areas, often with skyscrapers, use space efficiently with mixed-use buildings that combine apartments, retail, and offices.
• 😀 Public transportation and urban planning in high-density areas can foster vibrant communities and offer more social and economic opportunities.
• 😀 Poor urban planning and lack of public transportation can lead to food deserts and limited opportunities in high-density areas.
• 😀 In medium-density areas, buildings shift from high-rise apartments to low-rise ones, and there is a mix of residential types such as townhomes and single-family homes.
• 😀 Medium-density areas have a suburban feel, with restaurants and stores spaced out from residential homes but still in close proximity.
• 😀 Low-density areas have larger lot sizes and more green space, with homes typically being single-family or low-rise apartments.
• 😀 Low-density areas rely more on personal vehicles for transportation, as public transport is often unavailable or limited, leading to longer commute times.
• 😀 Advancements in transportation and technology allow people to live farther from the CBD, leading to the development of edge cities and suburban areas.
• 😀 Businesses are relocating to low-density areas, following workers and customers to cheaper land, contributing to urban sprawl and changing spatial land use patterns.

Q & A

What is the bid rent theory and how does it affect the density gradient of a city?

The bid rent theory suggests that land closest to the Central Business District (CBD) is more expensive due to higher demand and limited availability. As you move farther away from the CBD, land becomes cheaper, impacting the density gradient by making areas closer to the CBD more densely populated, with taller buildings and mixed-use spaces.

How do high-density areas differ from low-density areas in terms of land use and building structure?

In high-density areas, buildings are often taller, with smaller lot sizes, and mixed-use spaces such as apartments above retail stores. In contrast, low-density areas have more single-family homes, larger lots, and horizontal development with more green spaces and less reliance on public transportation.

What role does public transportation play in high-density urban areas?

Public transportation is crucial in high-density urban areas as it provides residents with easier access to goods, services, and employment, reducing the need for personal vehicles and fostering more sustainable urban environments.

Why do medium-density areas often have a suburban feel despite being close to urban centers?

Medium-density areas often have a mix of multi-family homes and single-family homes, along with more space between buildings, offering a more suburban feel. These areas still maintain proximity to high-density urban centers, providing a balance of urban and suburban characteristics.

How do businesses adapt to urban sprawl and the shifting locations of residents?

As residents move away from the CBD and into suburban or Edge city areas, businesses follow suit, opting for larger retail stores in lower-density areas where land is cheaper. This shift supports the expansion of urban sprawl, altering the distribution of services and economic activity.

What are some consequences of poor urban planning in high-density areas?

Poor urban planning in high-density areas can lead to issues like food deserts, inadequate public transportation, and a lack of economic and social opportunities for residents, making it harder for them to access essential services.

How does the development of new transportation systems affect land use patterns?

Advancements in transportation systems, such as new interstate highways, allow people to live farther from the CBD while still maintaining access to necessary goods and services. This has led to the growth of suburban areas and the expansion of urban sprawl.

Why are skyscrapers more common in U.S. cities than in European cities?

In the U.S., skyscrapers are more common due to fewer height restrictions on buildings. In contrast, many European cities impose height limits to preserve specific cityscapes and maintain a balanced urban environment.

What is the impact of urban sprawl on transportation in suburban areas?

Urban sprawl often results in a greater dependence on personal vehicles as public transportation services are less likely to extend into low-density suburban areas. This increases commute times and may lead to traffic congestion and environmental issues.

How does land availability impact the development of high-density areas?

In high-density areas, the limited availability of land forces buildings to grow vertically, with smaller lot sizes. This contrasts with low-density areas, where more land is available, allowing for horizontal development and larger residential properties.