Asian Cities are Growing Upwards more than Outwards

Syllabus: GS1/ Urban development, GS3/ Infrastructure

Context

A new study published in Nature Cities has found that Cities around the world, especially in Asia, are growing upwards faster than they are spreading outwards.

The cities with populations in excess of 10 million people had more prominent vertical growth, and this effect became more pronounced in the 2010s.
Indian cities did not show a uniform upward growth, with only the large ones with more than 5 million people showing upward and outward or just outward growth, mostly in the 2010s.
China, Japan, South Korea and other east Asian countries have experienced one of the most dramatic urban transformations in the world, characterized by the rapid proliferation of high-rise buildings, particularly in its major cities.
- Cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Guangzhou are known for their impressive skylines filled with high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.
In India, Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai are seeing a significant increase in vertical development.

Global Urbanization Trends: The world is becoming increasingly urbanized, with more people living in cities than in rural areas. To manage this population shift, cities are expanding upwards rather than outwards.
High Land Costs: As land prices rise in urban centers, building upwards becomes more economically viable than expanding horizontally.
Improved Construction Techniques: Advances in engineering and construction technology have made it easier and safer to build taller structures.
- Innovations in materials, design, and construction methods have enabled cities to grow vertically.
Changing Lifestyles: Urban residents, especially younger generations, are increasingly drawn to the convenience and amenities offered by high-rise living, such as proximity to work, shopping, and entertainment.

Taller buildings allow more people to live in a smaller area, making better use of limited urban land.
- This can reduce urban sprawl, preserving green spaces and agricultural land outside city limits.
Concentrating populations in vertical developments can lead to more efficient delivery of public services such as transportation, waste management, and utilities.
Vertical cities can reduce the need for long commutes, as people live closer to work, reducing traffic congestion and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Taller buildings, particularly when designed with green technologies, can be more energy-efficient and sustainable compared to low-density urban development.

The rise of vertical development leads to gentrification, displacing lower-income populations and increasing social inequality.
Existing infrastructure, such as roads, sewage systems, and public transportation, may not be equipped to handle the increased density, leading to overcrowding and potential breakdowns in services.
High-rise buildings can create urban heat islands, where the concentration of concrete and lack of green space raise local temperatures, affecting the microclimate.
Taller buildings pose challenges for emergency services like firefighting and evacuation, especially in the event of natural disasters.
Residents of high-rise buildings experience social isolation, as vertical living can reduce opportunities for neighborly interactions compared to more horizontal, community-based urban designs.

The high-rise building trend is a response to the challenges of rapid urbanization, land scarcity, and the need for sustainable urban development.
While vertical growth offers many advantages, it also presents challenges that must be carefully managed.
The future of high-rise development will likely involve a balance between economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability, with a focus on creating livable, resilient urban environments.

Source: TH

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