GGH3704 Assignment 2
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 (762363) -
DUE 14 April 2025
, GGH3704 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 (762363) - DUE
14 April 2025
Analyse the interplay between centralization and
decentralization in urban environments by evaluating the
impact of different population movements (such as
suburbanization, peripheral urbanization, and counter-
urbanization) on the social, economic, and spatial
structure of cities. Using specific examples, discuss how
these movements shape both the core and peripheral
areas of cities, considering factors such as transportation,
economic opportunities, and housing. ggh3701 ggh3702
ggh3703 ggh3705 The interplay between centralization and decentralization in
urban environments is a complex dynamic influenced by various population movements,
including suburbanization, peripheral urbanization, and counter-urbanization. These movements
significantly impact the social, economic, and spatial structures of cities, reshaping both core and
peripheral areas. Below is an analysis of these phenomena, supported by specific examples and
considerations of factors such as transportation, economic opportunities, and housing.
1. Suburbanization
Suburbanization refers to the movement of people from urban cores to suburban areas, often
driven by the desire for better housing, lower costs, and a perceived higher quality of life. This
process leads to the decentralization of urban populations and activities.
Impact on Core Areas:
o Economic: The urban core may experience a decline in tax revenue and economic
activity as businesses and residents relocate to the suburbs. For example, Detroit’s
urban core suffered economic decline as industries and middle-class residents
moved to suburban areas like Troy and Sterling Heights.
o Social: The remaining population in the core often includes lower-income groups,
leading to increased socioeconomic segregation.
o Spatial: Urban cores may face underutilization of infrastructure and vacant
properties, creating "donut holes" of decay surrounded by thriving suburbs.
Impact on Peripheral Areas:
o Economic: Suburban areas often see economic growth, with the development of
shopping malls, office parks, and industrial zones. For instance, Tyson’s Corner
in Virginia became a major economic hub outside Washington, D.C.
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 (762363) -
DUE 14 April 2025
, GGH3704 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 (762363) - DUE
14 April 2025
Analyse the interplay between centralization and
decentralization in urban environments by evaluating the
impact of different population movements (such as
suburbanization, peripheral urbanization, and counter-
urbanization) on the social, economic, and spatial
structure of cities. Using specific examples, discuss how
these movements shape both the core and peripheral
areas of cities, considering factors such as transportation,
economic opportunities, and housing. ggh3701 ggh3702
ggh3703 ggh3705 The interplay between centralization and decentralization in
urban environments is a complex dynamic influenced by various population movements,
including suburbanization, peripheral urbanization, and counter-urbanization. These movements
significantly impact the social, economic, and spatial structures of cities, reshaping both core and
peripheral areas. Below is an analysis of these phenomena, supported by specific examples and
considerations of factors such as transportation, economic opportunities, and housing.
1. Suburbanization
Suburbanization refers to the movement of people from urban cores to suburban areas, often
driven by the desire for better housing, lower costs, and a perceived higher quality of life. This
process leads to the decentralization of urban populations and activities.
Impact on Core Areas:
o Economic: The urban core may experience a decline in tax revenue and economic
activity as businesses and residents relocate to the suburbs. For example, Detroit’s
urban core suffered economic decline as industries and middle-class residents
moved to suburban areas like Troy and Sterling Heights.
o Social: The remaining population in the core often includes lower-income groups,
leading to increased socioeconomic segregation.
o Spatial: Urban cores may face underutilization of infrastructure and vacant
properties, creating "donut holes" of decay surrounded by thriving suburbs.
Impact on Peripheral Areas:
o Economic: Suburban areas often see economic growth, with the development of
shopping malls, office parks, and industrial zones. For instance, Tyson’s Corner
in Virginia became a major economic hub outside Washington, D.C.
