Urban Geography: Population Dynamics and Central Place Theory

Urban Population Dynamics and Global City Structures

Global Urban Growth Patterns

The cities of developed country groupings have experienced low population growth due to low or zero natural population growth and high land prices that cause the displacement of young people to areas close to large cities. Conversely, cities in developing country groupings register very high growth due to high natural growth and rural exodus.

Examples of City Growth Dynamics

• Developed: Rome, Paris, Madrid.
• Developing: Mexico City, Kolkata (Calcutta), São Paulo.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Centers

Residents of a city generally have greater access to health services, work, opportunities, and facilities. However, cities also present significant inconveniences, especially regarding health and socioeconomic stability.

Key Urban Challenges

• Environmental Contamination: Health issues arising from environmental contamination (e.g., pollution from cars and industry).
• Socioeconomic Strain: Increasing economic problems due to lack of work and rising costs.

Central Place Theory (Walter Christaller, 1933)

This foundational theory is based on the idea that the main function of a city is providing goods and services to its surrounding territories, which are considered complementary to the city region.

The theory posits that the number, size, and distribution of cities in a territory have a logical explanation based on the supply of goods and services provided by a city, and the population, extent, and characteristics of its areas of influence.

This framework explains the various hierarchical levels of cities in a region depending on the different levels of specialization they can provide in their services.

Urban Regions: Networks and Interdependence

Urban regions are dense urban networks where cities and urban areas are almost continuous, separated only by short agricultural or forestry areas.

Basic Features of Urban Regions

The basic features are the specialization of urban areas (residential, industrial, commercial, or services) and the dependence among cores, which increases with the degree of development.

Three Types of Urban Regions

Based on the organization of city networks and relationships, three types are identified:

1. Metropolitan Area
2. Conurbation
3. Megalopolis

Metropolitan Area (Metro-Area)

Defined by a large central city and the small and medium cities that surround it.

Example: Valencia Metropolitan Area.

Megalopolis

A large urban core region with multiple centers of diverse importance, often exceeding 20 million inhabitants. Complex axes of economic activities thrive here, generating huge trade flows.

The fundamental cause of this development is the technological improvements experienced by communication media and transport.

Fuzzy Town (Peri-Urban Area)

This area appears on the periphery of a metropolitan area and is also called a "peri-urban area." Since it features both urban and rural characteristics, it often presents unclear land use issues.

Fuzzy Towns are problematic because they involve significant soil consumption, high energy expenditures, and cause the dispersal of infrastructure and services.