6.7 Infrastructure in Urban Development

Introduction

Infrastructure plays a critical role in urban development and is essential for the functioning and growth of cities. Infrastructure includes the physical systems, facilities, and services that support the daily lives of people and businesses in an urban area. It can include transportation systems, such as roads, highways, and public transit; utilities, such as water, sewage, and electricity; and other public facilities and services, such as schools, hospitals, and parks.

Effective infrastructure is essential for the economic development and prosperity of cities, as it enables people and goods to move easily within and between urban areas and facilitates the delivery of essential services. Infrastructure can also have a major impact on the quality of life in an urban area, as it can affect factors such as accessibility, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Investment in infrastructure is often a key component of urban development plans and can be funded through a variety of sources, including private investment, government funding, and public-private partnerships. Ensuring that infrastructure is adequate and well-maintained is crucial for the long-term success and viability of urban areas.

Public Transportation

The location and quality of a city’s infrastructure directly affects its spatial patterns of economic and social development.

Economic development and interconnection within urban areas are dependent upon the location and quality of infrastructure (for example, public transportation, airports, roads, communication systems, water and sewer systems). The fastest growing cities are found in developing countries which have just recently just industrialized. While residents in both New York City & Moscow have an elaborate airport, road, water, and communication systems, these rapidly growing cities are having issues keeping up with the demands of population increases. The below picture is of one of the elaborate and most well-maintained subway stations in the city of Moscow.

Source: Moscow Subway System

In developing countries, modern technologies in transportation and public facilities are not very available. While all cities in developing countries are different culturally, most share a few similarities other than not being able to keep up with these public services and infrastructure. Secondly, some are ancient, but almost all have a colonial legacy, established to serve the needs of the colonizing country. Third, many of these cities have a large number of migrants illegally living on the outskirts of the city, called squatter‐settlements, and finally, some governments have responded by moving the national capital away from the overcrowded primate city to a new location. This action is called forward capitals. 

Examples of forward capitals are moving the capital of Dar Es Salaam to Dodoma in Tanzania, Brasilia in Brazil and Abuja in Nigeria. These planned cities are created to draw the population away from overgrown metropolises and to house industrial and governmental centers. This is a form of smart growth which you will see in the next section of this study guide.

Important Vocabulary

• Spatial Patterns- Spatial patterns refer to the way that features or phenomena are distributed or arranged within a specific area or region. These patterns can be observed at various scales, from the distribution of individual features within a small area to the arrangement of features across a larger region or even globally.- There are many factors that can influence spatial patterns, including natural processes, human activities, and the physical characteristics of the landscape. For example, the distribution of vegetation in a region may be influenced by factors such as climate, topography, and soil type, while the spatial pattern of urban development may be influenced by transportation infrastructure, land use policies, and economic factors.- Understanding spatial patterns can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as planning and resource management, environmental analysis, and research in fields such as geography and sociology. Spatial patterns can be analyzed using a range of techniques, including maps, statistical analysis, and computer modeling.

• Economic Development- Economic development refers to the process of improving the economic well-being and quality of life of a region or community. It typically involves increasing the prosperity of the community by creating new economic opportunities, increasing productivity and efficiency, and raising living standards.There are many different approaches to economic development, and the specific strategies and policies used can vary depending on the goals and needs of a particular region. Some common approaches to economic development include:- Promoting economic diversification: This involves encouraging the development of a range of different industries within a region, rather than relying on a single dominant industry, in order to reduce the impact of economic shocks and increase resilience.- Supporting small businesses: Small businesses are often a key driver of economic growth and can be supported through a variety of measures such as access to capital, technical assistance, and regulatory reform.- Investing in infrastructure: Infrastructure, including transportation systems, utilities, and public facilities, can be a key factor in attracting businesses and supporting economic development.- Providing education and training: A well-educated workforce can be an important asset for economic development, and investing in education and training can help to prepare workers for the changing demands of the economy.- Promoting tourism: Tourism can be a significant contributor to economic development in some regions, and promoting the region as a destination for tourists can help to generate economic activity and create jobs.

• Developing Countries- Developing countries, also known as less developed countries or emerging economies, are countries that are in the process of industrializing and modernizing their economies. These countries often have lower levels of income, less developed infrastructure, and lower levels of human development compared to developed countries.- There are many challenges that developing countries face as they seek to improve their economic and social conditions. These challenges can include a lack of access to capital, inadequate infrastructure, weak institutions, and limited access to education and healthcare. In addition, many developing countries are vulnerable to economic shocks and external factors, such as changes in commodity prices or the impact of global economic downturns.- Despite these challenges, many developing countries have made significant progress in recent decades, and many are now classified as emerging economies. Strategies for economic development in developing countries can include a focus on building infrastructure, promoting small businesses and entrepreneurship, investing in education and training, and attracting foreign investment.

• Squatter-Settlements- Squatter settlements, also known as informal settlements or shantytowns, are areas where people live in makeshift or informal housing, often without legal title to the land. These settlements are typically found in urban areas, particularly in developing countries, and often lack basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity.Squatter settlements can arise for a variety of reasons, including a lack of affordable housing, rapid urbanization, and poverty. They can be seen as a result of social and economic inequalities, as people who are unable to afford formal housing may be forced to settle in informal or unauthorized areas.- Squatter settlements can present a number of challenges, including overcrowding, poor living conditions, and a lack of access to basic services. They can also be vulnerable to natural disasters and other hazards. At the same time, these settlements can also be sources of innovation and resilience, as residents may be able to organize themselves and develop creative solutions to the challenges they face.- Policies towards squatter settlements can vary, with some governments seeking to evict residents and others recognizing the right of people to settle in urban areas and working to improve the conditions in these settlements.

• Primate City- A primate city is a country's largest city and main urban center, which is significantly larger than any other city in the country in terms of population and economic activity. The term "primate" refers to the city's dominant status within the country.- Primate cities can have a number of important economic, political, and cultural functions within a country, serving as centers of trade, finance, education, and entertainment. They can also be important drivers of economic development, as they can provide a range of opportunities and resources for businesses and individuals.- However, primate cities can also create challenges, such as overcrowding and environmental degradation, and they can contribute to social and economic inequalities within a country. In some cases, policies and investments in other cities and regions may be needed to promote more balanced and sustainable economic development.

• Forward Capitals- A forward capital is a city that has been selected as the administrative and political center of a country or region. Forward capitals are often chosen for their strategic location, accessibility, and other factors that make them suitable as centers of government and administration.- Forward capitals can serve a number of important functions within a country, including:- Housing the seat of government: The forward capital is typically home to the main governmental buildings and institutions, such as the parliament or congress, the executive branch, and the judicial system.- Providing a center for political and policy decision-making: The forward capital is often the main hub for political activity and policy formulation within a country.- Serving as a center of communication and transportation: Forward capitals are often major transportation hubs, with well-developed communication systems and infrastructure, which can facilitate the flow of information and people within the country.- Promoting economic development: Forward capitals can be important drivers of economic growth, attracting businesses and other investments and providing a range of opportunities and resources.

• Metropolises- A metropolis is a large and important city, typically the main urban center of a region or country. The term "metropolis" is often used to refer to cities that are major centers of population, culture, and economic activity and that have a significant influence on the surrounding region.- Metropolises can be characterized by their size, population, and economic and cultural importance. They may have a population of millions of people and serve as major economic and cultural centers, with a diverse and vibrant economy and a wide range of amenities and cultural attractions.- Metropolises can be found around the world, and they often have a global reach and influence. They can play a key role in driving economic development and shaping the social and cultural character of a region. At the same time, metropolises can also face a range of challenges, such as overcrowding, pollution, and social and economic inequality.