When it comes to Europe's cosmopolitan cities, London and Paris tend to be the first names to bear the brunt. However, on this dynamic European continent, Germany presents a different kind of urban culture with its unique urban development model. Today, we will delve into the development model of German cities and the profound meaning behind them.
In the midst of globalisation, Germany's urban development path is different. Unlike megacities like London and Paris, German cities are smaller and more beautiful, what is the history and strategy behind this?
Germany was divided for a long time until the end of the 19th century, when Bismarck pushed for real unity. This fragmented historical background provides a balanced basis for urban development in Germany. Against this historical backdrop, Germany did not form a megalopolis, like London or Paris, but a number of medium-sized cities.
The development of railways and motorways in Germany has made the connection between large cities and small towns even closer. People can easily move between cities, reducing over-reliance on specific large cities.
Unlike Britain and France, which are centered on London and Paris, German industry and technology are scattered throughout the country. This decentralized industrial structure promotes the balanced distribution of resources and population among multiple cities, forming a unique urban agglomeration structure.
The definition of a city in Germany differs from many other countries. Cities in Germany tend to be counted only in urban areas, and do not include suburbs and counties and towns. As a result, Germany's urban population may seem small, but if you look at it in terms of urban agglomerations or administrative regions, the size of the population is actually not much different from that of London and Paris.
German cities are characterised by their "small but beautiful" philosophy. Each city has its own unique culture and history, while at the same time being interconnected by easy access to transportation and balanced industry. This urban development model not only maintains the independence and characteristics of each city, but also maintains the overall economic and social balance.
【Conclusion】 The development model of German cities shows an urban culture that is completely different from that of London and Paris. In these times of change, Germany's urban development provides us with an important reference: it is not necessary to pursue the big and the complete, but the small and the beautiful can also show the unique charm and vitality.
What do you think of Germany's urban development model?What can we learn from Germany's example in today's era of globalization?