Urban Environment: The Differences between the City in Europe and the United States

Abstract

Urban form is the physical organization of urban areas. Urban form is measured by residential and employment densities, activity distribution, degree of mixed use, centralization, and urban design. Various factors influence urban form. The US urban form is compared with that in Europe. Due to different historical development, the US metropolitan form is characterized by low development densities, dispersed population and employment, and a larger role for the private car. European metropolitan areas have higher densities and more centralized land-use patterns with lower car use and stronger land-use controls, which preserve compact urban form; with urban development occurring in rail corridors while in the United States suburban development reinforces vehicle dependence, leading to the inefficient use of scarce urban space. Planning in Europe and the United States, and land-use development tools are reviewed.