WHAT IS URBAN SPRAWL?

Urbanization significantly influences urban sprawl, marking a key element in the societal shift from predominantly rural to urban populations. Historically, industrialization has driven urbanization, prompting mass migration to cities as people seek employment in the country's labor force. This influx of people into cities has led to a substantial increase in the urban population percentage, indicating the proportion of a country's population residing in urban areas compared to the total population. Consequently, this population pressure in major urban centers has triggered urban sprawl. Urbanization highlights the prominence of urban sprawl due to the rising demand for industry, commerce, and residential spaces.

For example, between 1961 and 2019, the urban population surged from approximately 79 million to around 471 million, reflecting the rapid pace of urbanization and technological advancements, particularly evident in India's swift urban growth. Urban sprawl is defined as the expansion of urban areas into rural regions, often driven by developments in mass transportation. This definition emphasizes mass transportation as a primary driver of urban sprawl, facilitating improved accessibility and connectivity to central business districts. The adoption of extensive transportation systems helps mitigate the inefficiencies of urban expansion by enhancing connectivity and accessibility. Moreover, establishing mass transportation networks in peripheral areas supports the provision of essential local government services and amenities. Research on the relationship between urban sprawl and transportation highlights the crucial role of expanding transportation systems in driving urban sprawl.

Additionally, the evolution of urban sprawl, as observed in studies like "Are Compact Cities a Desirable Planning Goal?" underscores the impact of leapfrogging development and the unplanned expansion of built-up areas away from main commercial districts. This perspective emphasizes the importance of transportation networks in maintaining connectivity between central business areas and peripheral regions, necessitating the development of effective mass transportation systems. Demographic factors, particularly urban population growth, also significantly shape the frequency and scale of new city developments and expansion sizes, reflecting the dynamic nature of urban sprawl. Projections suggest a substantial increase in the global population by 2050, with many new cities emerging in developing countries. As a result, urban sprawl is a multifaceted phenomenon with far-reaching implications for urban planning and development, intertwined with political, social, and environmental dynamics.