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Stratford, Newham - Distant Changing Places Case Study

• Case studies changing places
• Created by: abibretton
• Created on: 17-02-22 13:17

location of Stratford and Newham

London Borough of Newham is located in east London , 5 miles east of the City of London and North of the River Thames

Stratford is a district within Newham , located towards the north-west border of the borough (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is located here)

locale of Stratford

major multilevel interchange station that is well connected to key London locations through its position on 4 lines of the Tube network

Westfield Stratford City opened in 2011, with 350 stores and services. It is the 3rd largest shopping centre in the UK

Stratford contains the 2012 Olympics Athletes Village and most of the Olympic Park

wide range of housing - more modern accommodation with high-rise flats in the regenerated west Stratford, whilst more deprived, run-down maisonnettes and terraced housing remains in the north

endogenous factors of Stratford

TOPOGRAPHY - flat land, located on a flood plain. Average topography is around 46ft above sea level

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY -River Lea flows near to the Olympic Village in the west and centre of Stratford. The area is mostly urbanised with some green areas

LAND USE - regeneration has changed the land use from derelict land to more retail and commercial facilities

INFRASTRUCTURE - significant, well served by bus and train routes. Roads are well connected, particularly linking Stratford to Central London

BUILT ENVIRONMENT - 2 shopping centres, offices, modern flats, train station, picture house cinema, Olympic Park, etc

DEMOGRAPHICS - ethnically diverse

ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS - rising house prices, increases in tourism to boost the economy both during and after the Olympic Games

exogenous factors of Stratford

MONEY/INVESTMENT - £9 million of public money was invested into the regeneration of East London

RESOURCES - people and materials brought into the area to undertake regeneration

IDEAS - regeneration schemes, culture and diversity from high levels of immigration

PEOPLE - higher tourist numbers due to available retail and commercial facilities, whilst greater job opportunities have brought workers into the area

history of Stratford

1820 - first dock was built in Stratford, acting as a fairly significant transport hub due to its position between London and eastern England 1839 - Stratford got its own railway station and, over time, a depot and works that built locomotives, coaches and goods wagons 1844 - the Metropolitan Building Act forced noxious industries to move outside of London and Stratford was the first place across the border in Essex, with good road and water connections into the city . Existing mills, distilleries and breweries were joined by engineering works, printers, ink and dye works, alongside every kind of processor or coal, oil, manure and animal bones mid-1800s - estimated 2,500 people working in the railway , leading to a need for more housing and an improved local infrastructure . A new town was built to accommodate railway workers, eventually becoming known as Stratford New Town 1860s - over 20,000 people living and working in the area 1900s - Stratford, like many areas of London, suffered significant de-industrialisation and high unemployment rates 1980s - closing of the London Doc ks because of increases in commercial shipping and containerisation (1950-1975 40,000 jobs lost) 1990s - railway works closed down 2006 - work began on the Olympic Park (11,000 people and 380 businesses had to relocate) 2011 - Westfield Stratford City opened 2012 - Newham was one of the 6 host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics , with Stratford hosting many Olympic facilities

meaning and representation - interview quotes

(qualitative data)

"it no longer feels like "East End""

"with every shiny new bulding that's gone up, a little bit of the character that gave Stratford its appeal is disappearing"

"there is a terrible problem with social housing, with many people living in overcrowded accommodation"

"it feels as though the undesirables are being moved out to make way for the desirables"

"if you are on a low income then you won't stand a chance of buying your own home"

"today I can buy a cappuccio for £5"

"under all the hype there are still very real social problems that were here before the regeneration and still remain today that I feel are deliberately being swept under the carpet"

meaning and representation of Newham

INTERVIEWS - although regeneration projects have built green spaces to be enjoyed by children, there is a resultant lack of community of culture . House prices have risen extortionately , alongside prices of everyday items such as coffee . Therefore, l ocals seem to be more opposed to generation in Stratford because of the lack of benefits for themselves

POETRY - displaying how Newham is an area with high levels of knife and gun crime , particularly impacting on young people . Newham is portrayed negatively , as a area with high levels of crime and gang association from a young age

SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO - Newham is known as the "UK's debt capital" where 22.7% of residents can't pay their bills on time and a quarter face debt problems . The video portrays the levels of poverty within Newham that have not really changed despite the high levels of investment arising from the 2012 Olympic Games

FILM - Ill Manors portrays a negative media persepctive of Newham as a r undown and violent area, underpinned by crime . However, it also shows the Olympic Stadium and Park rising in the background, showing the hope for social change in the area

aims of Stratford regeneration

the London 2012 Legacy was a plan to make sure that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had long-term benefits. This legacy was to cover 4 main areas:

EECONOMIC - supporting new jobs and skills, encouraging trade, inward investment and tourism

SPORTS - continue elite success, development of more sports facilities and encouraging participation in sports in both school and wider scenarios

SOCIAL AND VOLUNTEERING - inspiring others to volunteer and encouraging social change

REGENERATION - reuse of venues, new homes, improved transportation in both East London and other locations across the UK

external agents of Stratford regeneration

OLYMPIC BOARD - oversight and co-ordination of the Games

GOVERNMENT OLYMPIC EXECUTIVE - a unit in the DCMs with oversight of the London 2012 project

OLYMPIC PARK REGENERATION STEERING GROUP - oversaw the regeneration legacy for East London and implementation of the Legacy Masterplan Framework

OLYMPIC DELIVERY AUTHORITY - responsibile for delivering the Games' infrastructure and venues

LONDON ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES AND PARALYMPIC GAMES - organised the staging of the Games

LONDON DEVELOPMENT AGENCY - responsible for purchase of the Olympic Park and developing the legacy plans. This was succeeded by the Olympic Park Legacy Company

Pros of Stratford regeneration - SOCIAL

Athletes village relaunched as a housing estate for 8,000 people called the East Village, with 40% of homes being affordable

New school called Chobham Academy ( 1800 students enrolled) to reduce previous schooling pressures

Aquatics centre is now used by the community

Unemployment fell across London during the Olympic period

Cons of Stratford regeneration - SOCIAL

Question whether new housing will actually be affordable, particularly for Newham's poorest households

Very few jobs were actually created for local people

Many boroughs surrounding the Olympic Park remain in poverty

Social housing had to be demolished to make way for the site

Pros of Stratford regeneration - ECONOMIC

£17 billion invested in public transport , so Stratford is now the 2 nd most connected part of London

Revenue generated from selling Olympic venues

Estimated that the Olympics will generate £10 billion in extra income for the UK economy

Cons of Stratford regeneration - ECONOMIC

Olympic Stadium is estimated to have cost £701 million, 3 times the original estimate

Total bill was £8.8 billion of tax payers' money, 5 million over budget

Rents and property prices have resultantly risen

Pros of Stratford regeneration - ENVIRONMENTAL

New green spaces and wildlife habitats have been created

Improved water quality of the River Lea that runs through the Olympic Park

Urban wasteland of the Lower Lea Valley was cleaned up

Olympic Site was built on 560 acres of brownfield land , previously neglected, unused and contaminated

Cons of Stratford regeneration - ENVIRONMENTAL

Much wildlife had to be relocated (including 1 00 toads and 300 common lizards )

Many materials for the stadiums and the Olympic Park came from overseas

The Games produced 3.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide

WINNERS from Stratford regeneration

LOCAL GOVERNMENT - successful rebranding of Stratford seeks to increase tourism in the long-term . It is now East London's primary retail, cultural and leisure centre

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT - tourism revenues, reduced unemployment

PROPERTY DEVELOPERS - revenue made from selling their properties with rising house prices

LOCAL POPULATION - post-Games creation of 110,000 jobs, improved services/transport links , ability to use sports facilities and creation of green spaces

LOSERS from Stratford regeneration

LOCAL POPULATION - l ack of community , continued disruption from on-going development and tourism , lack of affordable housing as promised, rising house prices and continued deprivation in the area

Demographic characteristics of Newham

Popuation: around 330,000

Religion: 40% Christian, 32% Muslim

Ethnicity: 43% Asian/Asian British, 20% Black/Black  British, 17% White/White British

Sex: 52% males and 48% females

Largest age bracket: 30-39, then 20-29

Employment + Qualifications:   12.4% of usual residents with no qualifications,  5.7% unemployed

Economic characteristics of Newham

Unemployment rate of 10%

Largest sector is tertiary

17% of individuals work in wholesale and retail trade, 12% in accommodation and food service activities and 9% in education

Average house price of £355,000

35% owner occupied housing, 34% private rented and 30% social rented

Social characteristics of Newham

Around 28% of children live in l ow income families

One of the 20% most deprived districts in England

Was ranked the 25th most deprived local authority in England in the 2015 Index of Multiple Deprivation, in comparison to 2nd in 2010

49% very good health

2% very bad health

57% achieved 5+A*-C GCSEs including Maths and English

26% live by themselves

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In crux of Geography , discover the inherent charm and nuances of Stratford. This extensive guide magnifies Stratford, London and its importance, particularly highlighted during the Olympics. Gain insights into the vital topic of regeneration , casting light on Stratford before and after, alongside a balanced view of its pros and cons. The transformation of Stratford is also succinctly summarised, alongside a discussion on future regulation and its impact. This all-encompassing text presents a comprehensive understanding of Stratford, its geographical allure, and future prospects.

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Understanding the Location: Stratford London

Before embarking on a tour of Stratford, it's important for you to explore its characteristics and the historical significance of certain events, such as the London Olympics. A keen understanding of these aspects will lead to a richer appreciation of Stratford's geography .

Introduction to Stratford: A Look into Its Characteristics

Stratford, popularly known as the heart of East London, carries a rich history interwoven with contemporary features. The city converges cultural diversity, architectural brilliance and commercial opportunities.

Stratford is defined as a district in the East End of London, England, in the London Borough of Newham.

It's strategically located and connects central London to other parts of the country via a robust transport network. The following aspects contribute to defining the character of Stratford:

• Architecture: Featuring a mix of Victorian, post-war, and cutting-edge modern style.
• Cultural Diversity: A melting pot of cultures from around the globe.
• Leisure and Entertainment: Home to theatres, parks, and arenas that host a variety of events.

Consider Stratford's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, an architectural marvel that was a major venue for the London 2012 Olympics. Today, it serves as a versatile space for both recreation and various events.

The Significance of Stratford London Olympics

The 2012 London Olympics brought a transformational change to Stratford. The Olympics acted as a springboard for Stratford's regeneration , attracting worldwide attention and economic enrichment.

The London Olympics 2012: A major international multi-sport event that marked a historical moment in Stratford's development.

Here are some of the key impacts of the Olympiad:

Notably, the London Olympic Games became a catalyst for sustainable development. It led to the rise of new infrastructures and housing projects, which were designed with an ecological focus, promoting renewable energy, waste reduction, and biodiversity.

Stratford's geographical location, cultural mix, and links to significant events, make it a vibrant, dynamic destination worthy of study in our exploration of global geography.

The Regeneration of Stratford: A Case Study

Stratford's regeneration, greatly sparked by the 2012 Olympics, is a fascinating case study in urban renewal and sustainable development. Stratford's journey from a once industrial area to the flourishing multiculturality it represents provides insights into the transformative impacts of well-planned urban development.

It is worth noting that the success of this regeneration wasn't by chance but the product of strategic planning and timing, with the London Olympics as the perfect spotlight to debut Stratford's facelift.

Stratford Regeneration: Before and After

Stratford's development didn't happen overnight. Let's dive deeper into its transformation, comparing the pre and post-regeneration period.

Urban Regeneration is a comprehensive and integrated vision and action which leads to the resolution of urban problems and which seeks to bring about a lasting improvement in the physical, economic and social fabric of an area.

Before Regeneration:

• Stratford was predominantly an industrial area, with neglected landscapes and semi-derelict buildings.
• It housed a significant, yet disconnected community, with the area lacking in necessary social infrastructure.
• Despite being well serviced by public transport, the area wasn't an attractive destination for investment or tourism.

After Regeneration:

• Stratford has become a bustling metropolis with new housing projects, commercial buildings, and state-of-the-art sports facilities.
• The rejuvenated Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (@qeop123) is now a recreational and cultural hotspot.
• Stratford has seen a surge in economic development, with an influx of tourists and new residents attracted to its dynamics.

Take, for example, Stratford's transport hub. Before regeneration, it was merely a junction. Today, it serves as a major interchange point between different train lines, and connects to various parts of London and the country, enhancing Stratford's connectivity and accessibility.

Pros and Cons of Stratford Regeneration

When it comes to urban regeneration, there are always two sides to the coin. While Stratford's transformation brought many advantages, it also resulted in certain challenges. Let's discuss each in detail.

Regeneration Pros and Cons: The positive and negative outcomes related to regeneration developments, influencing the economic, social, and environmental sectors of the area.

Thus, the regeneration of Stratford offers invaluable lessons on the balancing act between growth and inclusivity in urban planning.

Appreciating the Changes: A Stratford Summary

In the journey through Stratford's geography, the profound transformation of this East London district and its experience of urban regeneration have painted a vivid picture of how well executed urban development can impact a location's dynamics, economy, and cultural landscape.

The Transformation of Stratford through Regeneration

Stratford's metamorphosis is more than merely an architectural makeover. It's a testament to the resilience of a community and the potential of thoughtful regeneration.

Urban regeneration of Stratford was catalysed by London's successfully hosting the Olympics in 2012, which offered a unique opportunity to transform the district from an industrial hinterland to a hub of cultural and social vibrancy.

Transformation in the context of urban geography refers to an extensive or dramatic change in the physical, social and economic structures of a city or district.

The following facets illustrate Stratford's transformation journey:

• Industrial to Residential: Stratford has seen a shift from being predominantly industrial to a largely residential area with new residential developments attracting a more diverse population.
• Transportation Enhancement: The redevelopment of Stratford's transportation network has significantly improved the accessibility of the area.
• Cultural Vibrancy: The emergence of sites like Olympic Park and the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, repositioned Stratford as a cultural and leisure destination.

Seeing the transformation can be as simple as taking a walk through the Stratford Centre, a local shopping mall that serves as a microcosm of the area's change. Where once it was an outdated shopping complex, it is now a vibrant centre of activity teeming with shops, restaurants, and often, community events.

Regulation and its Impact on Stratford's Future

The continued success of Stratford's regeneration and the implications for its future notably depend on the role of regulatory policies and frameworks.

Regulation in the context of urban planning refers to the rules or directives enforced by an authority (like a government agency) to guide the development and management of urban spaces.

The impact of urban regulation on Stratford's future can be grouped under two main themes:

• Sustainability: Regulation demands balanced growth, ensuring new developments are environmentally friendly and socially inclusive, promoting sustainable living.
• Urban Resilience: Regulatory measures aim to increase the city's capacity to absorb, recover and adapt to challenges, ensuring the long-term viability of the district.

For instance, the London Plan, a strategic planning document by the Mayor of London, encapsulates policies that promote strategies such as "Building a sustainable future", "Building strong communities" and "Promoting opportunity", all of which are vital for Stratford's continued growth and development.

It's important to note that while regulation guides development, it's the adaptation and execution of these regulations by local authorities and developers that will determine Stratford's evolution.

Thus, appreciating the transformation of Stratford showcases the catalyst role of urban regeneration and the importance of regulation in shaping the future of cultural landscapes like Stratford.

Stratford - Key takeaways

• Stratford is a district in the East End of London, notable for its architectural diversity, cultural variety, and expansive commercial opportunities.
• The London Olympics 2012 played a significant role in Stratford's development, serving as a catalyst for urban regeneration, economic enrichment, and social cohesion.
• Stratford's regeneration, primarily triggered by the 2012 Olympics, is a study case of urban renewal and sustainable development, transforming this former industrial area into a dynamic hub of cultural and social vibrancy.
• The regeneration of Stratford has both pros – like improved sports infrastructure, increased economic activity , and modernized urban environment – and cons – including gentrification, potential social unrest, and concerns over preserving the area's historic and cultural identity.
• Urban planning regulation plays a critical role in ensuring Stratford's future, targeting eco-friendly and socially inclusive growth, as well as resilience to challenges for the district's sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stratford

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Where is Stratford located?

In East London, about 7 miles from Central London

What was Stratford like after the decline?

It had one of the most deprived communities in the country, unemployment was high, and health levels were poor. Stratford lacked proper infrastructure, and the environmental quality was poor. 

During the Victorian Era, the Metropolitan Building Act, the new railway, and the creation of the Royal Docks accelerated industrialisation. With it, Stratford saw a lot of work opportunities.

Deindustrialisation and the closure of the Royal Docks

The creation of containerised cargo and other technological changes. The containerised cargo was much more efficient for transporting goods, but it required larger ships. These ships could not navigate down as far as the Royal Docks.

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Mrs Conrad's KIS I-ALEVEL Geography Support

As settlement.

This topic is split into 4 sections

• Changes in rural settlements
• Urban trends and issues of urbanisation
• The changing structure of urban settlements
• The management of urban settlements

Click on the link below to download a revision checklist for this topic

Settlement checklist

 A settlement is just the name for an area where people live. At IGCSE we learnt that they can be urban or rural.

Urban = Refers to a built up area/ town or city

Rural = Refers to an area of countryside/ villages, hamlets or isolated houses

At I-A level this is too simple, we need to consider that most settlement exist somewhere on a rural-urban continuum.  This means that settlements will not always be simply urban or rural, but exist along a continuum.

RURAL SETTLEMENTS- LEDCs

Rural settlements are changing in both LEDCs and MEDCs (called settlement dynamics )

• -Migration (rural-urban and urban-rural)
• -Urban growth
• -Technological change
• -Rural planning policies
• -Government funding

Change in rural areas in LEDCs

Most changes in rural areas in LEDCs are mainly due to rural to urban migration. See below for some of the positive and negative changes that have occurred. They are also categorised into social (blue), environmental (green) and economic (red) changes.

  Changes in rural areas in MEDCs

• The rural idyll is an idea that people have in their head of the perfect countryside area in an MEDC
• Rural society is perceived to be distinctly different from urban society

E.g. – Close community, strong family ties, agricultural, less crime, peaceful

This rural idyll is not as true now as it may once have been due to various changes affecting the countryside in MEDCs

Main changes in rural settlements in MEDCs (UK)

• Rural population has changed in character (gentrification) – the countryside has been repopulated by middle class groups who took advantage of cheaper housing in the countryside in the 1960’s and 70’s and who now exert a strong influence over the areas they have moved to in terms of the types of services provided.

2. The economy is  no longer dominated by agriculture and employment in agriculture reduced –  Although farmland takes up 73% of the land area of the UK, less than 2% of the workforce are now employed in agriculture! This is down from 6.1% in 1950. This is mainly due to the increase in mechanization on farms.

3. Farm diversification- As many farmers have struggled to make a living from traditional agricultural practices, a growing number have begun to diversify. This is where they create activities on their land to gain additional income e.g. tourism and recreation such as rent out land for camping or have a farm visitor centre.

4. Higher house prices and lack of affordable housing- As richer middle classes have moved to rural areas, this has increased demand for housing and therefore the house prices have risen in some rural areas. This has meant some original families can no longer afford the housing.

5. Formation of metropolitan/suburbanised villages (due to counterurbanisation) – As counterurbanisation has occurred with people moving out of cities to the countryside, there has been a growth of some villages around the city where people have moved to enjoy the rural areas but still be able to commute to work in the city. These larger villages are often called suburbanised or metropolitan villages

6. Rural depopulation – This was occuring in the past when people began to leave rural areas to move to the city, however this process is being reversed with the process of counterurbanisation .

7. Decline of rural services –  Services such as shops, healthcare and education have been declining in rural areas in MEDCs for a number of decades. This has had a massive impact on people in rural areas, particularly those without a car. They have begun to shut due to the increase in large supermarkets close to villages which those with a car can access so they no longer use village shops, and also due to new residents in rural areas still using services from the urban areas they came from.

8. Reduction of public transport- The increase in car ownership in recent decades has meant that public transport such as buses have reduced as less people were using it. However , this means people without a car have become isolated

CASE STUDY: The Isle of Purbeck, UK: Decline of a rural area in an MEDC

Where is the Isle of Purbeck?

Read the summary below of the issues that the area faces.

CASE STUDY: How are the government trying to solve the problems in the Isle of Purbeck?

A summary of some of the solutions they have come up with are shown below. You will never be able to remember all these ideas! But you should be able to explain at least one from each section.

URBAN SETTLEMENTS

Urbanisation

Urbanisation = The growth in the proportion of people living in towns or cities

 Top ten cities by size in 1960 and 2008

In the exam you may be asked to compare data in a table like the one you see below. Have a think about the following question and then jot down your ideas. You can then check you answer in the information below the table.

How have the top 10 largest cities in the world changed since 1960? (4m)

•  The top ten cities have grown larger since the 1960’s. In 1960 the largest city was New York at 14.2 million whereas in 2008 it was Tokyo with 34.4 million.
• In 1960 there were 3 cities on the top ten list in the continent of Europe whereas in 2008 there were no cities from Europe on the top ten list
• In 2008 the number of Asian cities had increased on the list from 3 in 1960 to 7 in 2008
• The number of cities from LEDC countries has increased

The cycle of urbanisation

Regeneration of urban areas and gentrification

Some urban areas in MEDCs have become derelict and run down. To try to improve these areas, government have attempted urban regeneration.

Urban regeneration is when you try to improve an urban area in decline with a mixture of urban redevelopment and urban renewal

Urban redevelopment is the complete clearance of existing buildings and site infrastructure and construction of new buildings, often for a different purpose, from scratch.

Urban renewal is keeping the best elements of the existing urban environment and adapting them to new usages.

CASE STUDY OF URBAN REGENERATION: London Olympic Park in Newham, London

• Newham was chosen as the location for the Olympic Park regeneration because it is, one of London’s most deprived areas.

• The hope was that the 2012 Games would leave a legacy of housing and sports facilities for people there.
• Newham has one of the largest proportions of population living in social housing which are overcrowded.
•  Before clearance in 2007, the area within the proposed Olympic Park had land that was contaminated from previous industrial pollution. The River Lea and its canals were polluted with chemicals and waste.

How did the Olympic Park being built in Newham help to regenerate it?

•  The Olympic Park  has been renamed the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park after the Games – and has become a fantastic new focal point for the capital.
•  The local community have a new world-class sporting venues to train and compete in.
• Visitors will enjoy the new parklands that will reconnect the communities surrounding the Park
• The Olympic and Paralympic Village are being converted into thousands of new homes for sale and rent, half of which will be affordable housing.
• There is also a new educational campus, a community health centre and new developments elsewhere within the Park, the Village – to be known as East Village – will form a whole new community in this part of east London.
• New transport connections and a brand new infrastructure of energy, water, telecommunications was built for the Games.
• In fact, 75p of every £1 the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) spent was an investment in the long-term transformation of the area.

To read more on this, click on the link below

Geo Case Study for A – Level

Gentrification

Gentrification is the in-migration of people from higher socioeconomic groups into areas where the existing population is generally of a lower socio-economic group compared to the newcomers.

Why does gentrification happen in some areas of a city?

– An area which was once a low -income area can become fashionable through gentrification normally because it has certain features which draw higher social groups towards it

e.g. an attractive park, larger than average housing, close proximity to a railway station or the city centre

What changes occur in an area due to gentrification?

– House prices rise as demand rises for them

– Many derelict or deteriorating housing is renovated

– Trendier shops and restaurants open in the area

– Working classes are displaced by middle classes as house prices become too high

– Social housing is replaced by owner occupied housing

An example of an area in which gentrification has occurred is Brooklyn in New York.

What problems can gentrification cause?

– Lower classes feel pushed out by middle classes

– House prices are too expensive for low income groups to afford

– Often ethnic minorities in lower income groups are dispersed from the area and the area becomes “white middle class”

Global (World) Cities

“Alpha” cities are deemed to be the most important and have the most influence over the global economy, culture and politics.

In 2008 there were only two Alpha ++ cities – London and New York

After Alpha cities come various ranks of Gamma and then Beta cities.

These levels are based on their business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, political engagement

Africa is so far unrepresented on the Alpha list but Lagos, Cairo and Johannesburg may soon get there

Other cities may decline in importance and fall off the alpha list

 Can you remember an example for each level of Alpha city and consider a reasons for its designation?

Global Cities should not be confused with Mega Cities

World city = a city judged important for its part in the global economy, politics or culture

Mega city = a city with more than 10 million residents.

The structure of urban settlements

Within a city, there are acticites continuing which occur in all cities across the world. These are shown below

Where are these activities located and why?

Their location in an urban area is dictated by factors

• Market forces (supply and demand for service)
• Government planning (policies)

Functional Zonation in urban areas

Function = what something is for

 Zonation = the area it is found in

So Functional Zonation = where set areas in an urban settlement have a set function e.g. Offices (function) are found in the centre of a city (zone)

There are several models (diagrams) of where different functions are found in a city. Remember they are just models (ideas) not always true to life!

1)Burgess- Concentric Zone Model

2) Hoyt- Sector Model

3) Harris and Ullmann- Multiple Nuclei Model

4) Alonso’s theory of Bid-rent

5) Griffin and Fords- Models of cities in LEDCs

• Business activity is in the central business district )CBD) as this is the point that most people have access to
• Around this is the “zone of transition” where you find older houses being converted in light industry and flats. In-migrants tend to be drawn to this zone for cheap housing
• As you move further out you would find area of better housing as people could afford to move out of the centre of the city
• High class residential is occupied by middle class with it newer and larger houses.

• Business activity is still the central business district )CBD) as this is the point that most people have access to
• Industry was noted to follow particular transport routes
• High class residential often develops  where there are distinct physical or social attractions (e.g. river)
• Low class residential was therefore confined to unfavorable locations (ugly, less transport links)

• CBD still exists but not always at centre of settlement
• Low class residential housing tends to be in areas of cheaper land around industry (heavy and light)
• High class residential and medium class residential can afford to avoid living next to industrial areas so these are normally on a different side of the city to industry
• There are areas of development outside of the main settlement around new nuclei like out of town shopping centres.

• CBD in centre as normal
• Industry starts in centre and develops out around transport and water routes
• Zone of maturity is where there is a mixture of old and newer housing occupied by middle classes
• High class  (elite) residential often develops in a spine out from the city centre
• Zone of in situ accretion is a wide range of housing but in the process of improvement e.g. government improvement projects
• Zone of squatter settlements is often on the most undesirable land at the periphery of a city

The Central Business District

Key questions to consider…..

• What are the key features of a CBD?
• How are CBDs changing?

The CBD is the commercial core of an urban areas normally with the highest land values. In theory it is the most accessible area of a city, A high level of accessibility results in high land values and rents which in turn encourages vertical development.

CBDs originally developed as market squares in ancient towns and villages where farmers met to sell and buy produce.

Most CBDs have a core and a frame surrounding them.

The key features of a CBD core and frame

How have CBDs changed over time and why?

• Pedestrianized zones have been made to make it easier and safer for shoppers to move from shop to shop
• Indoor shopping centres have increased to allow people to shop in comfort away from the variable weather conditions
• Public tranport has often been coordinated to allow more consumers to enter the CBD
• Multi-story car parks have increased to allow more parking space
• Some areas of a CBD may decline and others may expand meaning a CBDs’ location can change from time to time
• Redevelopment of some areas of a city can mean the CBD moves also to a new area of redevelopment.

Residential segregation

Residential segregation is where different groups of people live in different areas of a city or town.

Different groups could refer to difference in ethnicities or income groups

Residential Segregation in London

Residential Mosaic of London’s Deprivation- (Darker areas are more deprived)

A summary of London’s Residential Segregation

• The most intense deprivation is concentrated in the inner London boroughs, particularly in the East End

Statistics to show this segregation

• Eight outer London Boroughs have 75% of people of more owning a car or van, whereas 8 inner London boroughs have less than 50% of people owning a car.
• In Tower Hamlets Inner London Borough in the East End only 29% of people own their houses whereas in Havering OUter London Borough 79% of people own their own houses
• In Hackeny Inner London Borough 5.7% of people are unemployed whereas in Sutton Outer London Borough 2% of people were unemployed

Why does this segregation exist?

• People with a high income have a wide choice of where to live. People tend to choose the best houses in the best locations they can afford, wheras  people on low incomes have little choice. This results in large areas of poorer housing.
• People in certain ethnic groups tend of cluster together in areas sometimes called “ethnic villages”

• Residential segregation can also be seen by age. People tend to move around a city throughout their life cycle , meaning that the inner city is sometimes younger than the outer city.

Squatter Settlements/ Shanty Towns/ Slums

A squatter settlement is an area of slum housing constructed from makeshift materials and lacking in amenities such as water supply, sewerage and electricity. They often develop spontaneously and illegally (as squatter settlements) in LEDC cities.

They can also be known as slums or shanty towns

Case study of a squatter settlement: Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya

• Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city

• Just like in other LEDCs, rural to urban migration has led to many migrants turning up in the city every day
• When new migrants from rural areas turn up in Nairobi, they can not afford housing in the city centre (there is an affordable housing shortage)
• So they build their own housing on the outskirts of Nairobi. This has developed into a slum/shanty town called Kibera

• It is Africa’s 2nd largest slum

 Case study: Solutions to squatter settlements in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo has the largest slum population in South America

Urban poverty is concentrated in two types of housing:

• -Favelas (squatter settlements)
• -Corticos ( decaying formal housing in inner city)
• The rapid growth of favelas began in 1980 with their share of the population jumping from 5% to 20% since then.
•  Sao Paulo has 18 million people and has a very high population density at 8110 people per km2
• There is a huge wealth inequality between the richest and poorest in the city\

Marsilac (poorest district)                  Moema (richest district)

Two million people live in favelas in Sao Paulo

Favelas are located across the city in areas that were empty or unprotected, such as:

• -On flood plains
• -Along railways
• -On river banks
• -Beside main roads
• -Next to industrial areas

Several attempts have been made to reduce the number of people living in favelas, or improve the housing within them.

Case Study: Improving Cairo’s infrastructure (Egypt)

Key questions to consider:

• What is soft and hard infrastructure?
• What makes providing infrastructure difficult in Cairo?
• How have Cairo tried to solve their problems with infrastructure?

Hard infrastructure = Transportation, communication, sewerage, water and electric systems

Soft infrastructure = Housing, education, health and leisure facilities

What problems does Cairo have?

• Cairo is Egypt’s capital city on the banks of the river Nile
• Largest city in Africa
• 30,000 people per km squared – 17 million in total
• Housing is overcrowded
• All infrastructure is under pressure from large population as it was only designed with 2 million in mind
• Housing is overcrowded and in short supply
• Getting sufficient funds to improve infrastructure is a challenge

Case study: Inner city London: Problems and a possible solution

Some key facts about Inner city London

Inner London is more deprived than Outer London

Why are inner cities often deprived?

Has the London Olympics helped to regenerate Newham in Inner London?

Read the following article that has been higlighted in green for successes of the Olympics and red for failures.

Olympics legacy highlighted document complete

Now decide- was it successful or not?

Case study: China- Strategies for reducing urbanisation

1) The Hukou System

For many years the Chinese government followed a very strict policy towards urbanisation, by trying to limit rural-urban migration. This was known as the hukou system. However, as you know from our migration topic, this has not necessarily worked, and has recently been relaxed.

The Hukou System was a population register system which identified people as either “urban” or “rural” . Permission was required to leave the countryside and was only given if potential migrants had evidence of a job in the urban area.

• Food rations, healthcare and education were also used to restrict movement from the countryside to the city, as food rations, healthcare and education were only made available to people in urban areas with the urban registration documents.
• This meant that illegal migrants from the rural areas were often very disadvantaged in the cities.

 2) “Back to villages” movement

Since the 1950s the government has periodically encouraged large numbers of people to leave the cities for rural areas. Sometimes voluntarily, but sometimes through force.

1950s and 60s- Large numbers of people were sent from urban areas to develop oilfields in northern China

1960s – The government wanted to increase population in sparsely populated western provinces in order to encourage balanced development across the whole country. E.g. to Quinghai province in the west

1969-1973- 10-15 million urban school leavers were resettled in rural areas top relieve urban pressure and improve rural productivity

This unpopular process continued until the late 1970s when it was revered to support industrialization.

The relaxation of controls on rural-urban migration in 1980 led to massive urbanisation which you studied in your migration topic!

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Changing places: investigating regeneration at London's Olympic Park

Changing places: investigating regeneration at london’s olympic park.

Studying East London’s Olympic Park is both an excellent case study for Changing Places and a popular area to investigate for the independent investigation. In this unit you’ll look at how the area has changed since 2012 and its impact on different groups, and what needs to be considered when evaluating success.

When you’ve worked through the web unit, try the ‘ Investigating regeneration at London’s Olympic Park’ quiz to see how much you know.

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A-Level Geography CP Stratford C/S

Subject: Geography

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

19 August 2019

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A-Level Geography Changing Places - Stratford ( and Newham) region case study Some colleges use Stratford as a major comparative case study, others may use it as a small scale example. This revision package is a 5 page in depth, statistic full document, ideal for essays and back up information.

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Geography Case Studies

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Coastal Erosion

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How can the growth of tourism reduce the development gap? Tunisia Case Study

India Case Study of Development

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Torr Quarry

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Cyclone Idai Case Study

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Hurricane Irma 2017

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Birmingham – Edexcel B

Urban Growth in Brazil – Rio de Janeiro

Urban Growth in India – Mumbai

Urban Growth in Nigeria – Lagos

London – A Case Study of a UK City

Inner City Redevelopment – London Docklands

Sustainable Urban Living – Freiburg

Sustainable Urban Living – East Village

Sustainable Urban Transport Bristol Case Study

Bristol – A major UK city

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Eyjafjallajokull – 2010

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Sakurajima Case Study

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Hitosa, Ethiopia – A local water supply scheme in an LIC

The South-North Water Transfer Project, China

Wakal River Basin Project

Lesotho Large-Scale Water Transfer Scheme

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