Lurbanització

L'urbanització is the process by which urban areas expand and populations concentrate in cities, leading to changes in land use and built form. It encompasses the growth of metropolitan areas, the development of suburbs, and the reorganization of space to accommodate housing, services, and infrastructure. It also involves shifts in social and economic structures tied to urban life.

In Catalan, the term l'urbanització is used to refer to urbanization; the definite article is elided before vowels.

Causes and dynamics: It results from industrialization, economic development, and migration from rural areas, along with policy decisions, housing markets, and transportation investments. Urbanization may be driven by natural population growth or by outward or inward migration.

Characteristics and typologies: It involves land-use changes, construction of housing, commercial facilities, and infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and energy networks. Typologies include residential developments, industrial parks, mixed-use developments, and peri-urban expansions.

Impacts and planning: Urbanization can improve access to jobs and services but can also cause sprawl, traffic, pollution, housing affordability challenges, and social segregation. Planning tools such as zoning, master plans, and public participation aim to guide density, protect green spaces, and promote sustainability and resilience.

See also: Urban planning, Suburbanization, Sustainable development, Housing policy.