Cities growing upward than outward

A recent study published in Nature Cities highlights a significant trend in urban growth worldwide, with cities increasingly expanding vertically rather than horizontally. This shift is particularly notable in Asia, where rapid urbanization and high population densities necessitate taller buildings to accommodate growing populations.

Issues highlighted in the Study

• Infrastructural Strain: As cities grow upwards, existing infrastructure—such as roads, sewage systems, and public transport—may struggle to keep pace with the increased demands. This can lead to inefficiencies and overburdened services.
• Environmental Impact: Increased vertical growth can exacerbate urban heat island effects, where the concentration of buildings and reduced green spaces lead to higher temperatures and altered local climates. Taller buildings may also contribute to higher energy consumption and greater carbon footprints.
• Planning and Regulation Challenges: Urban areas with stringent building regulations, such as those seen in parts of India, face difficulties in accommodating vertical growth. In some cases, regulatory frameworks and master plans are outdated, failing to address the complexities of modern urban development effectively.

Reason Behind the Trend:

• The primary driver of vertical growth is the necessity to accommodate a rapidly increasing urban population within limited spatial boundaries.
• As cities reach the limits of horizontal expansion, building upwards becomes a practical solution.
• This vertical growth trend is particularly pronounced in densely populated cities across East Asia, where high population densities and economic factors push for taller structures.

Impact:

• Urban Density: Vertical growth increases population density within urban areas, potentially improving land use efficiency and making it possible to house more people within a smaller footprint.
• Economic Considerations: Tall buildings can enhance property values and contribute to economic growth by providing more commercial and residential space in prime locations. However, they also require substantial investment in specialized construction and maintenance.
• Climate Resilience: The increased density and reduced green space associated with vertical growth can impact local climate conditions and increase vulnerability to heat-related issues. Urban planning must incorporate climate resilience strategies to mitigate these effects.
• Public Services: The demand for enhanced public services, including transportation and utilities, grows with vertical expansion. Effective urban planning and infrastructure development are crucial to ensuring that these services can meet the needs of a growing population.
• Positive Impacts:
  • Rapid urbanisation is crucial for harnessing the demographic dividend of a young population. With 12 million more people joining the country’s labour force every year, the potential of that dividend is huge. As the urbanisation process continues, connectivity, proximity, and diversity will accelerate knowledge diffusion, spark further innovation, and enhance productivity and employment growth.