Here's a nice example from DM.
The diagram had to accurately represent the cultural, social, economic and political importance of cities, as well as the changes and challenges that perhaps they offer to residents and visitors.
We are living on an urban planet since 2011, when the numbers of urban residents overtook those in rural areas for the first time.
Consider this quote by Ed Parsons:
“People define places” because place is a social construct. In order for one to gain a sense of what a place is like, one must build an idea about that place and what it means for people."
For further thoughts on this area, consider these from my Twitter network of hundreds of geographers and teachers.
I set the starting statement / question:
Cities - why are they important ?
John Widdowson, Urban Geographer was the first to answer, as I asked him to kick the whole thing off. He came up with these three as possible initial answers:
Most of our best ideas come from cities, because people can share their ideas with each other more easily
Living in cities is more sustainable, because we can share resources more easily and reduce transport
Cities are more exciting places to be. Ask any teenager and they will tell you...
Other statements from other respondents - copied direct from tweets:
Services
Facilities
Connections between people
Culture
Thinkers
Planners
Business
More variety, especially in the Arts
If you’re from a minority group, you’re more likely to find people in common
The scale of cities offers their population a sense of freedom, excitement and possibilities
An opportunity for anonymity or fame
Services/Utilities
Plenty of available food
More jobs
Closer emergency services
People leave you alone
Somewhere for people to meet, come together and educate
Cities are exciting
Urban wildlife
Geographic advantage
Cities innovate, are dynamic centres of change
Strong infrastructure
Well connected
Organised
They clear people out of the rural areas so we can have some quality countryside
Climate
Museums
Architecture
A melting pot of culture e.g. Tehrangeles and Little Armenia
Vibrant
Juxtaposition of modern and old
Buzz
Sustainable triangle of efficiency
I live work and play in a geographically small area
Small carbon footprint
Cities provide humans with social contact
Better resource sharing
Variety
Opportunity
Vibrancy
Architecture
They keep people alive
Cities should enable the sharing of resources in a sensible and economic manner
Enable socio-cultural interactions
What do cities mean to you ?
What do cities mean to you ?
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