Back to the city: study examines the appeal of urban centres
The factors which influence growth and the appeal of cities are currently being examined as part of a research project by the Federal Institute for Construction, Urban and Regional Research (Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung – BBSR). The Bonn-based research institute has presented its intermediate results in a series of BBSR KOMPAKT reports.
The study compared ten growing German cities: Aachen, Bonn, Dresden, Freiburg, Ingolstadt, Jena, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Munich and Potsdam. Above all, positive developments on the local employment market, in addition to universities and technical colleges, attract new inhabitants. In light of this, the growth of the examined cities is dominated by the influx of young people between the ages of 18 and 29. A further attraction identified by the study is an infrastructure with several centres, in which education, culture, support, healthcare and service are easily and quickly accessible. In addition to this, a distinctive historical image and abundant natural and relaxation spaces in the surrounding area attract new inhabitants.
The study states that the downside to this population growth is the increasingly strained housing market: particularly in districts with a heavy student population, rent prices are increasing, whilst the number of smaller apartments available is becoming scarce. The local authorities participating in the research project are attempting to combat this by creating new residential areas in the city centres, for instance by building on vacant plots or converting industrial zones.
The final results of the BBSR study are expected in autumn 2011. The scientists now want to focus on the explanatory model relating to the appeal of cities, and analyse it in view of the requirements for balanced, socially responsible and resource-efficient urban development.
The publication can be requested free of charge by email sylvia.wicharz@bbr.bund.de and downloaded at http://www.bbsr.bund.de in the Publications section.
The Federal Institute for Construction, Urban and Regional Research (BBSR) in the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR) is a research institution in the business area of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Construction and Urban Development (BMVBS). It advises the federal government on tasks related to urban and regional development, in addition to housing, real estate and construction. (idw)
Additional information:
http://www.bbsr.bund.de/BBSR/DE/Veroeffentlichungen/BerichteKompakt/2011/DL__2__...
(Federal Institute for Construction, Urban and Regional Research/BBSR, 17th February 2011)
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