Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
considered equal partners. This has reduced progress in so many fields since half the
adult population is denied the opportunity to develop and use their intelligence in
the job market improve their capabilities. Finally, it must be noted that the capacity
of cities, or communities within them, to develop both
visions for the future
and a
recognition of the value of knowledge in creating new wealth are additional vital el-
ements in the human capital domain. All these attributes go well beyond the limited
number of features described by Florida (
2002
) is his Creative City and Class ideas.
11.6.2
Physical Capital of Cities
This can be divided into three distinct groups or sub-domains of features. The
en-
vironment
dimension does not only include the amount and quality of land present
and its cost, but also the climatic, geological and biotic features that can either help,
or act as a negative force for, development. For example: flat areas are easier and
cheaper to build on but may be liable to flooding; some regions may have climates
too hot, too wet or too cold for comfort, although the artificial heating or cooling of
buildings now reduces these problems in the workplace, although not always for lei-
sure times. Other places may be prone to regular natural hazards; some regions have
had advantages in the past in being on, or close to raw material or energy sources;
previous industrialization sites may be too polluted to redevelop, or would cost too
much to reclaim. Historically these environmental features were often crucial for
the development of cities. Although such factors are far less important today, they
cannot be discounted completely.
A second part of the physical capital consists of those man-made objects that
assist and provide leverage to the initial inputs and human agents that generate
greater productivity, features that can be summarized as
infrastructure
. All of these
must be viewed in terms of quality as well as quantity. In a physical context are the
traditional features such as the extent and quality of various transport routes and
terminals, water and energy supplies, or sewage facilities, or the more recent im-
portance of new communication facilities such as the addition of high speed digital
connections that are essential for knowledge-workers. It also includes the stock of
buildings and houses etc., needed for shelter and workspaces. If these material fea-
tures are already present in the city, and are of sufficient quality, they do not have to
be provided separately by the knowledge-based firms, resulting in enormous costs
savings. The social infra-structure is also an essential part of this type of capital
stock, which include the presence of varied and good quality educational facilities
at various levels, from schools to universities, libraries, health facilities as well as
safety services. Such advantages should also include the availability and expense of
child care; high costs and few places can deter young families from moving to such
centers and make it more difficult for young mothers to return to work outside the
family. Another set of capital assets in this group come from the commercial facili-
ties, from shops to cafes, bars and restaurants. The amenities that are present in the
city are also crucial, whether in leisure facilities—ranging from parks to recreation
fields, centres, and stadiums for sporting events—to those in the cultural field of
