Understanding Metropolitan Areas and Urban Challenges

Urban Forms

The entire city and its peripheral nuclei give rise to a new type of urban settlement: the Metropolitan Area. This is an urban entity where a larger nucleus, the oldest and most dynamic, organizes a large area encompassing several satellite towns or dormitory cities. These maintain intensive exchanges with the principal core. The existence of roads facilitates movement and contributes to its growth. This phenomenon coincided with the rural exodus during the 1960s. There was chaos in urban growth, uncontrolled due to poor planning and ignoring Land Law. Buildings were constructed too high, traditional rules were not respected, heritage was undervalued, and there was little interest in urban progress. Communication and transportation networks enabled the occupation of increasingly larger spaces.

Satellite Cities

These are small or medium-sized residential cities near a large city, functionally dependent on it. Sometimes these are planned as new cities.

Conurbations and Megalopolis

When two independent cities physically join, they form a Conurbation. When this covers several cities, a Megalopolis may form. The megalopolis appears when urbanization reaches a supraregional scale. It is made up of various elements of different urban functions that grow and form a discontinuous urban area without major fractures.

The Problems of the City

Housing Problems (P. de home)

The purchase or rental of housing is expensive due to high land prices and speculation. The solution must come from the regulatory capacity of urban policy and planning.

Supplies and Equipment Problems (P. de supplies and equipment)

Water and energy consumption has increased in recent years, requiring costly investments and supply facilities. It is necessary to promote savings. Some urban areas require an improvement of their existing facilities.

Traffic Problems (P. de traffic)

Caused by the high density of vehicles, leading to major traffic jams. Another problem is parking. Measures include: creation of ring roads, restrictions on private car use, or enhancement of public transport.

Environmental Problems (P. ambientales)

• Microclimate: Created by gas emissions linked to building height, which retains heat.
• Pollution: Air pollution is another major problem, producing artificial smoke fog that affects health.
• Noise: Noise pollution is another environmental problem that leads to insomnia or hearing disorders.
• Waste Management: The production and disposal of urban waste and wastewater require refinement. High costs mean that many processes are only partial. Solid waste treatment often involves burying or burning in landfills, which has a serious environmental impact.

Crime and Social Exclusion Problems (P. de crime and social exclusion)

Marginal social behaviors are present. Individuals in these situations are more prone to stress, isolation, and unemployment.