Understanding Urbanization

This chapter provides an overview of the historical context and contemporary perspectives on urbanization within Europe, emphasizing the sustainability challenges associated with land-use changes. A conceptual framework is presented which introduces key concepts and illustrates the input (drivers), production (decision-making), and outcomes (land conversion and urban form) of urbanization. The driving forces include exogenous factors, such as demographic shifts and economic changes, and endogenous factors, such as infrastructure development, finances, and spatial planning. Production consists of land development practices. Outcomes are described by the amount of urbanization as well as its form (compact, polycentric, and diffuse). The chapter closes with a reflection on sustainability.