6 Urban Concepts

1. Urban concepts
Things to think about…

2. Place utility
People want to maximise the satisfaction they gain from the place
where they live. This is place utility.
When people are considering relocating they will evaluate the place
utility of the different options. If people are behaving rationally they
should live where the place utility is maximised within the constraints of
their expenditure.

3. Factors that influence how users find the locations that best meet their
needs.
Centrality – In theory the centre is the most accessible location.
Accessibility – After the centre the most accessible locations are
found beside major transport routes. Ring roads and arterial roads.
Mobility – Depends on type of transport used. Car, bicycle, public
transport.
Proximity – Some land uses repel or deter others. Thos3e who can
afford to may locate away from polluting factories.
Clustering – Similar land uses may cluster together. Similar shops
(jewellers) or leisure facilities (bars and nightclubs). Also residential
areas with ethnic grouping or lifestyle or income grouping.

4. Positive and negative externalities
The results of activities by an individual, group or institution which affect the
welfare of others are known as externalities.
Positive externalities; nice beach or good local school
Negative externalities; factory producing air pollution or drunken fighting
outside pubs
Usually richer residents can benefit more from positive externalities and
avoid the negative externalities. Therefore divisions can be increased in city
and the society become more polarised.

5. Amenities and disamenities
Amenities - Urban services which satisfy people’s needs or improve the
quality of life and the environment.
Disamenities – Features of the city which people want to avoid.
NIMBYism – Not in my back yard. People avoiding proximity to
disamenties and other features which they feel reduces the satisfaction
they get from living in a place.

6. Access
Is it possible for people to use the urban services they wish to?
Different sectors of society; age, wealth, ethnic group.
What is stopping them?
Physical access? Social access? Economic access?