Dispersed City Model: Dynamics, Relocation, and Environmental Impact

The Dispersed City Model and Metropolitan Dynamics

Defining the Dispersed City

The Dispersed City model, often observed in the Americas, is characterized by blurred boundaries between city and countryside (rururbana areas). Since the city's influence is not strictly defined, it moves outward into the field.

Functions of the Dispersed City

Functions are organized based on the needs of the metropolis (e.g., residential areas, industrial estates) but are spread across a larger territory.

Causes and Repercussions

• Causes: High rates of single-occupancy, private transport, leading to increased road infrastructure development.
• Repercussions:
  • High consumption and constant mobility, requiring increasing services (living and working in different places).
  • A more individualistic social model, resulting in difficulty establishing community meeting points.

New Areas and Industrial Relocation

Relocation of Industrial Activity

Starting around 1980, many traditional industries began to set up in the suburbs. This relocation was facilitated by the construction of highways and advances in telecommunications, helping to resolve issues related to high prices, congestion, and conflicts within the central city.

New Metropolitan Activity Centers

New industrial areas and activities are established away from the core city, including the development of new technology parks and industrial zones.

Technology Parks

Promoted by industrial relocation, these parks concentrate high-technology companies. They focus on innovation in fields such as microelectronics and computer technology.

The Enduring Functions of the Core City

Despite the relocation of industries, it was thought that cities would lose importance. However, many have continued to receive investments and have reinforced their role as the crucial link between the global economy and the national center. These cities specialize increasingly in advanced services.

Malls and Consumption Centers

Malls are spaces that arise in large cities, mixing commerce and leisure. They serve as centers for consumption, development, and social and interpersonal relationships.

Characteristics of Malls:

• Indoor-outdoor spaces.
• Controlled physical conditions.
• Safe spaces (e.g., OCIMAX).

Ecological and Environmental Challenges

Environmental Problems of Urban Sprawl

The creation of urban areas alters both cities and rural areas, constructing a highly humanized landscape. Natural resources are heavily utilized for construction purposes.

Resource Scarcity and Pollution

Vegetation Scarcity

Deforestation and a lack of green spaces are common. If appropriate planning laws are absent, urban sprawl can extend across very large surfaces. The absence of vegetation zones can significantly alter local temperatures.

Water Scarcity and Contamination

Access to potable water availability is a serious issue. Approximately one in four people is affected by water scarcity. Another significant impact is pollution caused by the lack of separation between drinking water supply and wastewater systems.

High Pollution Levels

Other types of pollution include:

• Atmospheric pollution (smoke from vehicles and factories).
• Noise pollution.

The Consumerist Society and Waste

Massive consumption inherent in a consumerist society causes serious problems related to solid waste. This is particularly problematic in less developed areas, often resulting in open dumps.