G.1.3 Residential Patterns Notes

Influences Shaping Housing Distribution

Physical Factors

1. Natural Features: Rivers, hills, and floodplains significantly impact where and how housing is developed.

Rivers

1. Historically, rivers have attracted settlements due to water availability and transportation.
2. However, areas near rivers may face flooding risks, influencing housing quality and density.

Example

1. Wealthy residential areas may develop along scenic riverbanks with nice views and flood defenses (e.g. Powiśle in Warsaw, Poland), while poorer communities might settle in vulnerable area prone to flooding (e.g. in Dhaka, Bangladesh).

Hills and Elevations

1. Elevated areas often offer better views and cooler climates, making them desirable for affluent residents.
2. In contrast, in many low-income countries (LICs), steep hillsides are occupied by informal settlements due to limited flat land.

Example

1. Contrasting examples include wealthy neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, USA and poor informal settlements (favelas) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Floodplains

1. These areas are prone to flooding but may be densely populated due to proximity to urban centers, lack of other parcels to be developed or uncontrolled migrations and growth of informal settlements.

Example

1. Wealthier residents can afford flood protection, while poorer communities face higher risks, especially in slums spontaneously developed in flood-prone areas, like in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Ethnicity and Culture

1. Ethnic Enclaves: These are neighbourhoods where specific ethnic or cultural groups cluster, often due to migration patterns, social cohesion, or economic necessity.
2. Positive Segregation: Ethnic groups may choose to live together to support cultural institutions (e.g., shops, places of worship) and maintain social networks.
3. Negative Segregation: Some groups may be excluded from certain areas due to discrimination or economic barriers.

Planning

1. Planned Neighborhoods: Cities in high-income countries (HICs) often have well-planned residential areas with zoning regulations, infrastructure, and green spaces.
2. Informal Settlements: In low-income countries (LICs), rapid urbanization and inadequate planning lead to informal settlements (e.g., slums), which lack basic services and legal recognition.
3. Gated Communities: Wealthier residents may live in gated communities for security and exclusivity, further segregating urban areas.

Distance from the CBD

1. Density and Space: Closer to the CBD, residential areas tend to be denser with high-rise apartments and limited space. Further from the CBD, housing becomes less dense, offering larger homes and yards.
2. Property Values and Affordability: Properties near the CBD generally command higher prices due to demand for accessibility and convenience. Conversely, areas farther away offer more affordable options, attracting different demographics and income levels.
3. Access to Services and Infrastructure: Proximity to the CBD often means better access to transport, healthcare, education, and entertainment. Areas further out may have less direct access, requiring longer commutes and potentially less developed infrastructure.

Reflection and Broader Implications

1. Housing distribution is a dynamic process influenced by multiple factors.
2. Understanding these patterns helps address issues like inequality, segregation, and environmental risk.