ENVISIONING HUMAN SETTLEMENTS IN THE INFORMATION AGE AND THE UNDERLYING OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS FOR SUSTAINABLE URBANIZATION

Abstract

Developments of human settlement have always been an effect of the changes in the social, political, and economic conditions at work in the society. Villages were the product of agricultural revolution and cities were the products of industrial age. Industrial age followed agglomeration economies concept and favored S Curve urbanization and resulted into mega cities in the developed world. The industrial age particularly in developing countries, resulted into J Curve urbanization and the worst forms of urban issues such as congestions, traffic delays, environmental concerns, urban sprawl, squatter settlements, social inequalities, and a  loss to culture and vernaculars. As we approach to the information age, the form of human settlements are again within transformation phase. The paper while making use of some popular envisions of leading planners, explores all possible opportunities and threats within information age which may be of profound significance in our efforts towards making our settlements healthier, efficient and sustainable.