GGH3705
EXAM PACK
,Development of Urban Space 20246
Semester: 01
Due date: 22 May 2024
Student number: 57284253
Declaration
By checking the boxes below and/or signing (or writing my initials), I declare that I have
not plagiarised in this assignment.
☑ I understand what plagiarism is and am aware of the university’s policy in this
regard.
☑ I declare that this assignment is my own, original work.
☑ I have acknowledged through in-text referencing where someone else’s work
was used (whether from a printed source, the internet or any other source).
☑ I did not copy and paste any information directly from any source into my
assignment.
☑ I have not copied another student’s work and submitted it as my own.
☑ I have not allowed and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention
of presenting it as his/her own work.
Signed: M.T. Mthembu
Date: 22 May 2024
Question 1
Analyse the three pivotal phases of urban development and expansion in the
contemporary era
Urban systems reflect the spatial organisation of economic and social processes,
providing a lens into how societies transform over time. They are embedded within
,urban regions where ecosystem services, production, and consumption converge
(Pacione, 2009). The development of urban systems has historically been shaped by
waves of economic restructuring, technological innovation, governance reforms, and
social transformation. In the contemporary era, three pivotal phases of urban
development can be distinguished: industrialisation and urbanisation, post-
industrialisation and globalisation, and the current phase of globalisation and
digitalisation.
Phase 1: Industrialisation and Urbanisation
The first phase of urban development was dominated by industrialisation, which shifted
economies from agrarian to manufacturing bases. This economic transformation
reallocated labour from low-productivity rural activities to industrial centres, catalysing
urbanisation and the growth of cities (Knox & McCarthy, 2014). The establishment of
industries led to new employment opportunities, capital concentration, and rising
productivity.
Social transformation during this period was visible in large-scale migration from rural to
urban areas, creating dense populations and new class structures. Migration gave rise
to working-class communities alongside emerging urban elites, reshaping the cultural
and demographic composition of cities. Urban governance also adapted, as authorities
sought to regulate rapid growth, manage sanitation, and provide infrastructure such as
water, roads, and housing.
Technological advancements such as mechanisation and rail transport underpinned this
phase by connecting urban centres with rural hinterlands and facilitating mass
production. Simultaneously, infrastructural improvements in sanitation, electricity, and
basic services enabled urban areas to accommodate expanding populations.
, Phase 2: Post-Industrialisation and Globalisation
The second phase marked a transition from industrial to service-driven economies.
Urban systems diversified as manufacturing declined in relative importance while
finance, trade, and knowledge-based services expanded (Short, 2017). Cities became
hubs of global economic activity, linked through international flows of capital,
information, and goods.
Social transformation during this era was characterised by increased cultural diversity
and migration across borders. Globalisation introduced multiculturalism, altering urban
identities and fostering new forms of cosmopolitanism. Governance also shifted towards
participatory and inclusive models, as urban leaders were increasingly called upon to
address social inequalities and promote citizen engagement (Knox & McCarthy, 2014).
Technological innovations, particularly in information and communication technologies,
enabled faster connections across space and time. The rise of digital connectivity
reshaped urban economies, labour markets, and lifestyles. Infrastructure investment
expanded into digital networks, sustainable energy systems, and public transportation,
reflecting the demands of global cities.
Phase 3: Globalisation and Digitalisation
The contemporary era reflects a phase of globalisation fused with digitalisation, where
sustainable development has become a central objective (Florida, 2017). Economically,
cities are now deeply interconnected, with trade, innovation, and financial systems
transcending national borders. The emphasis is on balancing growth with sustainability,
reflecting a global commitment to addressing environmental challenges such as climate
change.
Socially, urban populations are more interconnected and culturally diverse than ever
before. Migration, digital communication, and global cultural flows have fostered new
forms of social integration and global citizenship. Governance now extends beyond
EXAM PACK
,Development of Urban Space 20246
Semester: 01
Due date: 22 May 2024
Student number: 57284253
Declaration
By checking the boxes below and/or signing (or writing my initials), I declare that I have
not plagiarised in this assignment.
☑ I understand what plagiarism is and am aware of the university’s policy in this
regard.
☑ I declare that this assignment is my own, original work.
☑ I have acknowledged through in-text referencing where someone else’s work
was used (whether from a printed source, the internet or any other source).
☑ I did not copy and paste any information directly from any source into my
assignment.
☑ I have not copied another student’s work and submitted it as my own.
☑ I have not allowed and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention
of presenting it as his/her own work.
Signed: M.T. Mthembu
Date: 22 May 2024
Question 1
Analyse the three pivotal phases of urban development and expansion in the
contemporary era
Urban systems reflect the spatial organisation of economic and social processes,
providing a lens into how societies transform over time. They are embedded within
,urban regions where ecosystem services, production, and consumption converge
(Pacione, 2009). The development of urban systems has historically been shaped by
waves of economic restructuring, technological innovation, governance reforms, and
social transformation. In the contemporary era, three pivotal phases of urban
development can be distinguished: industrialisation and urbanisation, post-
industrialisation and globalisation, and the current phase of globalisation and
digitalisation.
Phase 1: Industrialisation and Urbanisation
The first phase of urban development was dominated by industrialisation, which shifted
economies from agrarian to manufacturing bases. This economic transformation
reallocated labour from low-productivity rural activities to industrial centres, catalysing
urbanisation and the growth of cities (Knox & McCarthy, 2014). The establishment of
industries led to new employment opportunities, capital concentration, and rising
productivity.
Social transformation during this period was visible in large-scale migration from rural to
urban areas, creating dense populations and new class structures. Migration gave rise
to working-class communities alongside emerging urban elites, reshaping the cultural
and demographic composition of cities. Urban governance also adapted, as authorities
sought to regulate rapid growth, manage sanitation, and provide infrastructure such as
water, roads, and housing.
Technological advancements such as mechanisation and rail transport underpinned this
phase by connecting urban centres with rural hinterlands and facilitating mass
production. Simultaneously, infrastructural improvements in sanitation, electricity, and
basic services enabled urban areas to accommodate expanding populations.
, Phase 2: Post-Industrialisation and Globalisation
The second phase marked a transition from industrial to service-driven economies.
Urban systems diversified as manufacturing declined in relative importance while
finance, trade, and knowledge-based services expanded (Short, 2017). Cities became
hubs of global economic activity, linked through international flows of capital,
information, and goods.
Social transformation during this era was characterised by increased cultural diversity
and migration across borders. Globalisation introduced multiculturalism, altering urban
identities and fostering new forms of cosmopolitanism. Governance also shifted towards
participatory and inclusive models, as urban leaders were increasingly called upon to
address social inequalities and promote citizen engagement (Knox & McCarthy, 2014).
Technological innovations, particularly in information and communication technologies,
enabled faster connections across space and time. The rise of digital connectivity
reshaped urban economies, labour markets, and lifestyles. Infrastructure investment
expanded into digital networks, sustainable energy systems, and public transportation,
reflecting the demands of global cities.
Phase 3: Globalisation and Digitalisation
The contemporary era reflects a phase of globalisation fused with digitalisation, where
sustainable development has become a central objective (Florida, 2017). Economically,
cities are now deeply interconnected, with trade, innovation, and financial systems
transcending national borders. The emphasis is on balancing growth with sustainability,
reflecting a global commitment to addressing environmental challenges such as climate
change.
Socially, urban populations are more interconnected and culturally diverse than ever
before. Migration, digital communication, and global cultural flows have fostered new
forms of social integration and global citizenship. Governance now extends beyond
