Assignment#03

Introduction to architecture and

town planning
Submitted By: Atif Khan

Registration # fa15-bcv-076

Class: Bcv-6b

Topic: factors affecting Urbanization

Submitted to: ma’am Zainab fida

Date of submission: 15/05/2018

Department of civil engineering

COMSATS University Abbottabad

Question: Which factors that drove urbanization in recent history are equally
related to contemporary urban growth? Which are different?
Urbanization:
Urbanization is defined as:
“Physical growth of rural or natural land into urban area as a result of population migration
to an existing area.”
Or
“It is attributed to growth of cities”
Or
According to UN, urbanization is defined as “Movement of people from rural to urban areas
with population growth equal to urban migration.”
Factors effecting urbanization
1. Agriculture:
Increased agricultural efficiency that displaced farm workers. Examples of this were
due to inventions such as the Cotton Gin, Cotton Spinning Machinery, the
McCormick Reaper and the Grain Elevators that featured in the industrialization of
America. Agricultural workers moved to the towns and cities to work in factories that
required unskilled labor.
2. Industrialization:
Industrialization is a major cause of urbanization. It has expanded the employment
opportunities. Rural people have migrated to cities on account of better employment
opportunities.
3. Transportation:
Developments in transportation systems such as new roads, railroads and canals in
the 1800's saw the introduction of steam trains and steamboats. New technology
and inventions then gave way to the automobile and airplanes. This made it easier
for people to travel vast distances. The ease of travel and the new transportation
systems enabled people to move from a rural location to an urban area quickly and
cheaply.
4. Defensive function:
The oldest settlements originated on the hills, especially for security and defense
reasons e.g. Jericho, Babylon, Memphis and Carthage.
5. New Inventions:
New inventions required lower skill levels and cheap ready-made goods. Skilled
workers who traditionally worked in rural areas, such as blacksmiths and carpenters,
were displaced and needed new employment. Opportunities for employment in new
emerging industries and factories.
6. Modernization:
Urban areas are characterized by sophisticated technology better infrastructure,
communication, medical facilities, etc. People feel that they can lead a comfortable
life in cities and migrate to cities.
7. Infrastructure:
As people moved from rural areas and population levels dropped less money was
spent on roads, bridges, construction, schools and hospitals. The infrastructure of
towns and cities increased as new building and convenient facilities were made
available to the increasing population.
8. Cultural Factor:
There was less money to spend on cultural facilities such as museums, libraries and
 art galleries. People move to cities to enjoy new recreational resources and cultural
facilities.
9. Goods and Services:
Goods and services available to rural communities are limited. City and town living
provides easy access to goods and services that ensure convenience and variety
10.Excitement and adventure:
Traditional rural communities were considered old fashioned and boring.People
moved to towns for adventure and the bright lights of the city
11.Education:
Less money is spent on educational resources in rural areas. People moved to towns
for adventure and the bright lights of the city. Educational facilities in towns and
cities offer a range of choice and access to education for all ages and easy access to
colleges and universities providing better education.
12.Health and Medical Care:
Fewer doctors and medical facilities in rural areas. Good health care and hospitals in
easy reach of city dwellers
13.Freedom:
Activities can be restricted in rural areas due to resistance to change and adherence
to traditional values. Religious and political activities can be carried out more safely
and with greater acceptance in larger towns and cities.
14.Employment opportunities:
Limited new opportunities in rural areas. Big companies offering new employment
opportunities, career advancement and high wages are generally based in major
towns and cities
15.Lack of investment:
Limited amounts of government money is spent on rural areas. Government money
is made available to highly populous areas.
16.Other factors:
Other factors include factors like:
1. Change in Dress habits.
2. Adoption of modern Technology
3. Enlightenment of women.
4. Modern transport and communication. E.g.: Cell phones have become common
even among rural people.
5. Active involvement in politics.
6. Growth of infrastructure like Banks, Post office.
7. Awareness among rural consumers.
8. Increasing demand for sophisticated products like cosmetics etc.

Sr.no Factors in recent history related New factors

to contemporary urban growth
01. Agriculture Transportation Infrastructure
02. Defensive function Industrialization
03. New Inventions Modernization
04. Cultural Factor Lack of investment
05. Goods and Services Other factors
06. Excitement and adventure
07. Education
08. Health and Medical Care
09. Freedom
10. Employment opportunities