Urban sprawl
Gottdiener's article is essentially a look at modern methods of urban studies with an exhortation of modern academia for its glossing over, or outright dismissal, of classical thought and elemental considerations. The author explores the elements of social and urban development while cautioning against the tendencies towards oversimplification and categorization exhibited by many modern urban analysts. Most critically of all Gottdiener discusses the role of space in urban and regional development, giving due consideration to technological advances and their effects on capitalism and the social-spatial perspective. Lefebvre refers to "the second circuit of capital" by which he means most simplistically land as commodity. This of course translates to all areas affected by commercial real estate- everything from banking to politics- essentially encompassing any area of the economy n
The same effect can be seen in today's real estate market- undeveloped or even unused land held by individuals becomes targeted by land developers and speculators who often possess the capital to develop the land commercially as well as offer a nice chunk to the prospective seller. Powered by only the tourist industry and its resultant spin-offs New Orleans exists amidst a sea of consumption. Growth is directed, if one can apply that term, by land developers, bank investors, and political agenda. Spaces of consumption are the second major phenomena explored by Gottdiener and they are defined as areas given over solely to the business of consumption, i. This of course meant that the Roman upper class could now approach the economically underprivileged with offers they couldn't refuse. The second circle of capital is one of the most prominent features shaping the spatial patterns of development in urban regions as politics and money lie at its roots. Initial urban development follows a set pattern of industrialization and resulting in a core of housing and commercial development located at the site of factories. New Orleans could give lessons to other cities on how to become a space of consumption. Without these factors there is only the unchecked sprawl of humanity across the rapidly diminishing undeveloped land that remains. These are areas which serve no other purpose but to fuel consumption of overabundant goods and services, usually those produced in economically depressed regions. As growth spreads outward the central city becomes neglected and disenfranchised while industries in suburban areas create smaller centers of centralization leading to urban sprawl. Only by careful consideration of the factors in each case and application of ecologically, socially, and economically compatible theory can true urban development occur.
Common topics in this essay:
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Senate Rome,
Jazzland Harrah's,
Caius Gracchus,
urban development,
land developers,
real estate,
development urban,
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