Lecture series at URP, NUST Fall 2020

For years, scientists have argued that sprawling urban and suburban development patterns are adversely affecting sustainable urban development.

Characteristics of Sprawl:
1. Unnecessary land consumption
2. Low average densities in comparison with older centres
3. Widespread strip commercial development along roads
4. Physically and economically segregated subdivisions/Inequalities
5. Fragmented open space, wide gaps between development and a scattered appearance
6. Lack of centralized or coordinated planning

Causes of Sprawl:

Population growth and demand for single-family housing
Public investments in roads, public buildings, water, sewer, and other infrastructure in peripheral areas; decrease in investment in existing centres
Land regulations that promote suburban-style development
Other public policies, including tax policies and utility rate policies
Low-cost fuel
Lower land prices in peripheral areas
Higher costs of development associated with existing centres
Consumer desire for a rural lifestyle with large homes and large yards, safe environment, and less traffic congestion
Preference of business and industry for easy highway access, plenty of free parking, and corporate identity
Demands of commercial tenants for particular locations and designs for buildings and sites
Commercial lending practices that favour suburban development
Lack of proper planning policies and/or failure to enforce planning policies


Consequences of Sprawl:
Inflated Infrastructure and Public Service Costs
Energy Inefficiency
Disparity in Wealth
Impacts on Wildlife and Ecosystem
Loss of Farmland
Increase in Temperature
Poor Air Quality
Impacts on Water Quality and Quantity
Impacts on Public and Social Health

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