Edge City Development

Definition

Edge City Development refers to the emergence of suburban areas that have become significant centers of economic activity, featuring a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces. These edge cities often arise at the periphery of traditional urban areas, representing a shift in how and where urban growth occurs, as more people seek amenities and jobs outside of central cities. This trend reflects broader changes in transportation, land use, and population distribution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Edge cities often emerge due to improved transportation infrastructure, making it easier for people to commute from suburbs to urban job centers.
2. These areas typically contain office spaces, retail centers, and entertainment venues, providing jobs and services closer to where people live.
3. The term 'edge city' was popularized by author Joel Garreau in his 1991 book, where he described them as new urban forms that challenge the traditional city model.
4. Edge cities can contribute to economic growth by attracting businesses and reducing congestion in central urban areas, but they can also lead to increased traffic issues.
5. The development of edge cities can alter social dynamics, as they often create new patterns of living that include both work and leisure in a single locale.

Review Questions

• How does Edge City Development reflect changes in transportation and urban planning?
  • Edge City Development illustrates significant changes in transportation by highlighting how improved roads and public transit options enable people to live further from their workplaces. This shift encourages the growth of suburban areas that are designed for easy access to both residential neighborhoods and economic centers. As a result, traditional urban planning models are challenged, requiring adaptations that address the needs of a more dispersed population.
• Discuss the environmental implications of Edge City Development in relation to Urban Sprawl.
  • Edge City Development can have complex environmental implications, particularly when viewed alongside Urban Sprawl. While edge cities can help relieve congestion in central urban areas by distributing economic activity, they may also contribute to increased vehicle dependency and loss of green spaces. As suburban areas expand, natural habitats may be replaced with commercial developments, leading to ecological concerns about biodiversity and sustainability in the region.
• Evaluate the socio-economic effects of Edge City Development on local communities compared to traditional urban centers.
  • Edge City Development can significantly alter the socio-economic landscape for local communities. These areas often provide new job opportunities and amenities closer to where residents live, which can enhance quality of life. However, this development may also lead to social stratification as wealthier populations move into these new suburban hubs while central urban areas may face decline due to an outflow of resources and residents. The shift in economic focus impacts social interactions and community cohesion in both edge cities and traditional urban centers.

Related terms

Suburbanization:

The process by which people move from urban areas to the outskirts or suburbs, often leading to the expansion of residential communities.

Urban Sprawl:

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, characterized by low-density development and reliance on automobiles.

Smart Growth:

An urban planning approach that promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable development patterns, aiming to curb urban sprawl and enhance community livability.