Sprawl-driven

Sprawl-driven describes a phenomenon or system characterized by or leading to urban or suburban development that is geographically extensive, low-density, and often reliant on automobile transportation. This type of growth typically consumes large areas of land, promotes car dependency, and may lead to environmental concerns like increased pollution, habitat loss, and inefficient resource use. It is often associated with dispersed residential areas, commercial strips, and limited public transportation infrastructure, reflecting a pattern of outward expansion rather than concentrated development.

Sprawl-driven meaning with examples

• The city's sprawl-driven infrastructure, with its reliance on expansive highways and parking lots, contributed significantly to air pollution and traffic congestion. The planning department is trying to change the city's pattern by introducing transit-oriented development, which prioritizes public transportation over private vehicles, to reduce the pollution from individual cars.
• Many environmental groups advocate for sustainable urban planning to combat the negative effects of sprawl-driven development, emphasizing the need for compact, mixed-use communities and improved public transportation systems. They aim to create communities that encourage walking, cycling, and the use of public transit.
• The economic model of the suburbs is often sprawl-driven. The costs of providing infrastructure, such as schools, roads, and utilities, in low-density areas can often be higher per capita than in more compact areas. Therefore, the financial sustainability of suburban growth is a major concern.
• The proliferation of shopping malls and big-box stores in the region is a direct result of sprawl-driven patterns of development. These commercial establishments cater to car-dependent populations, further reinforcing the reliance on automobiles and contributing to the physical expansion of the city.