Introduction to

Urban Environments
 The First Civilizations
Fertile Crescent had
the right animals and
plants for domestication
and crops. (wheat,
barley, cows, goats
sheep and pigs)

Also the Indus valley of

Pakistan/India and the
Yangtze in China

These areas were the

first “civilisations”
 Civilization

The word civilisation comes from the latin civis meaning citizen of a city.
Complex societies with, division of labour and social hierarchy tend to establish
permanent settlements.
What would be your ideal
settlement?

Piero della Francesca - Ideal City, Galleria Nazionale at Urbino

The island of
Utopia as
described by
Thomas
Moore
Palmanova - Italy
The City of the Sun
as described by T.
Campanella
 Factors that need Thought
Think about…
Size Number of inhabitants Density Types of
housing
Economic activity Layout of the city (morphology)
Transportation
Recreation Public spaces Energy Location
Urban services Residential areas Employment
Opportunities Entertainments Policing and
security
Waste Water Age groups Ethnic groups
Function Tenure Private/public transport
 Questions
• What is the environmental impact of increased
urbanisation?
• Can cities be sustainable? (live in a way which
satisfies our needs but does not compromise
future generations ability to meet their needs)
• Do cities satisfy peoples needs and wants? Are
people happier living in cities or the
countryside?
• Is there an optimum size for a city?
• What is the impact of primate mega cities?
• Can urban processes be controlled or managed?
• What is the future for the urban poor?