The fight against urban sprawl is often presented as one of the key variables in the sustainable city. How to define this process that affects all growing cities ? Why is this form of spatial development the subject of numerous and apparently convergent criticisms ? Are these criticisms legitimate ? However, there are not more relevant concepts than the concept of urban sprawl to measure both ecological and social issues of urban growth ? Eric Charmes answers these questions.
Eric Charmes is a lecturer at the French Institute of Urban Planning (Paris 8).
Summary of questions:
- How to define the urban sprawl that affects growing cities ?
- What are the criticisms of urban sprawl ? Are they legitimate ?
- Are there not more relevant concepts than the concept of urban sprawl to measure both ecological and social issues of urban growth ?