Week 5 Discussion: Urbanism Challenges, Urban Development

WEEK 5 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Student's Name:
Subject: Social Sciences
Date:
Cities are considered the foundation stones and engines of production and consumption worldwide. They are indeed the real social and economic fabrics in many countries. It is estimated that three-quarters of world economic activity is urban-based. Therefore, as the urban population grows, so will the gross domestic product (GDP) and investments from the urban centers. Cities are classified into two major categories based on their stage of development; these categories include: rapidly growing cities and shrinking large cities. Both the growing and shrinking cities face challenges as a result of unsustainable urbanism. For example, growing cities are usually the small cities that rapidly expand due to increasing populations. Some of the challenges of these cities include: increasing population, increasing pollution, and inadequate infrastructure and basic amenities. As for the large shrinking cities, the challenges encountered include: shrinking populations, drastic decrease in livelihood and economic base, increased need to fulfill lifestyle desires within smaller boundaries, and an aging infrastructure. In tackling these challenges, it is imperative to educate both the public and leaders on sustainable urban development and management. It is also necessary to empower both designers and planners to work together rather than in isolation. Regarding infrastructure and amenities, urban designers need to ensure that infrastructure and basic amenities reach all people in the urban set up. Making necessary amenities available to all people eliminates inequality, and is usually the fi...