In a study figure, an urban geographer mapped land use along a 7 km route from the centre of Birmingham towards its outer suburbs. Fig. 1 is a simplified tr...
Question 1 Report
In a study figure, an urban geographer mapped land use along a 7 km route from the centre of Birmingham towards its outer suburbs. Fig. 1 is a simplified transect, not drawn to scale. It records changing building height, retail activity and open space. The route was walked on a weekday morning so that the observer could compare the central business district with older inner-city neighbourhoods and a newer residential development. The local council is considering where to direct future regeneration funding.
(a) Identify the zone at the left-hand end of Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Identify two reasons why the CBD contains tall buildings. [2]
(c) Identify two ways in which regeneration of the inner city could improve quality of life for residents. [2]
Answer Details
(a) The zone at the left-hand end is the central business district (CBD). The figure labels this area with offices and shops, which are typical CBD land uses. [1]
(b) Tall buildings in the CBD result from high land values and the advantages of a central location:
- Land is expensive, so building upwards allows a business to use a small, costly site more efficiently. [1]
- Businesses benefit from an accessible central location, close to transport links and many customers. [1]
Do not state only that there is “not much space”. The examinable explanation is that high land costs make multi-storey development economically efficient.
(c) Regeneration is investment intended to improve an area. Two ways it could improve residents' quality of life are:
- Improving housing quality, giving residents safer or more suitable homes. [1]
- Providing new jobs or training, improving employment opportunities and incomes. [1]
Safer or cleaner public spaces, and better access to services or green space, are also valid. Any two distinct improvements gain the two marks. [2]
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
