Urbanization
Research and Planning | Coordination | Consultancy
According to the United Nations, "More than one half of the world population lives now in urban areas, and virtually all countries of the world are becoming increasingly urbanized."
In Israel, the rate of urbanization is one of the highest in the world, currently standing at nearly 92%. But rural to urban migration is not a new phenomenon and is occurring all over the world. Nevertheless, there are diverse levels of urbanization and differing consequences across regions and geographies. For instance, across Latin America and the Caribbean nations, the majority of the population already reside in urban areas. This is quite the opposite case across Africa and Asia, which are still mostly rural. The latter is set to urbanize at a faster rate compared to other regions.
Some of the implications of urbanization trends and arising challenges associated with the changing landscape include the following:
The Weitz Center is committed to addressing urbanization challenges. In addition to capacity building workshops and trainings dedicated to exploring ways to meet the challenges cities face, the Center actively engages in urban-related projects all over the world.
In Israel, the rate of urbanization is one of the highest in the world, currently standing at nearly 92%. But rural to urban migration is not a new phenomenon and is occurring all over the world. Nevertheless, there are diverse levels of urbanization and differing consequences across regions and geographies. For instance, across Latin America and the Caribbean nations, the majority of the population already reside in urban areas. This is quite the opposite case across Africa and Asia, which are still mostly rural. The latter is set to urbanize at a faster rate compared to other regions.
Some of the implications of urbanization trends and arising challenges associated with the changing landscape include the following:
- Changes in living and housing conditions
- Health, pollution and environmentally-related risks
- Rise of informal settlements
- Demand exceeds amount of available resources
- Deserting of rural areas
- Insufficient and ineffective urban infrastructure (ex. public transportation)
The Weitz Center is committed to addressing urbanization challenges. In addition to capacity building workshops and trainings dedicated to exploring ways to meet the challenges cities face, the Center actively engages in urban-related projects all over the world.
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Featured Project: Israeli Delegation Pavilion - World Urban Forum
The Weitz Center was commissioned by the Israeli Ministry of Construction and Housing to coordinate the Israeli Delegation Pavilion at the 2014 World Urban Forum held from April 5th-11th in Medellin, Colombia. The Israeli Delegation comprised of leading Israeli urban planners and professionals from across academia, governments, and the private sector.
Additionally, the Center was tasked with running a UN-Habitat side event titled: "Regenerative Resilient Cities Harnessing Economic and Regulatory Strategy to Produce Equitable Planning and Design Tools”. There was a great turn out, as many of the participants were interested in hearing about Israeli and international experience in addressing this issue and other similar urban challenges.
The Weitz Center was commissioned by the Israeli Ministry of Construction and Housing to coordinate the Israeli Delegation Pavilion at the 2014 World Urban Forum held from April 5th-11th in Medellin, Colombia. The Israeli Delegation comprised of leading Israeli urban planners and professionals from across academia, governments, and the private sector.
Additionally, the Center was tasked with running a UN-Habitat side event titled: "Regenerative Resilient Cities Harnessing Economic and Regulatory Strategy to Produce Equitable Planning and Design Tools”. There was a great turn out, as many of the participants were interested in hearing about Israeli and international experience in addressing this issue and other similar urban challenges.
