Intermediary cities
Intermediary cities (intermediate cities or i-cities) are cities with a population of 50,000 to one million. They are small and medium-sized cities that perform a linking role, helping ease the transition between rural areas and larger cities, and providing useful markets and access to services. They may also connect cities within an urban area, and can help relieve pressure on larger cities and megacities.
It is estimated that 20% of the world´s population live in intermediary cities. Ref https://www.uclg.org/en/agenda/intermediary-cities
Intermediary cities can be more efficient than larger cities, with more effective government, better social cohesion and greater flexibility.
However, they can be vulnerable to change, tend to have a poorer population than larger cities and often lack resources and opportunities. They can be excluded from decision making processes and are often overlooked in policy decision making, but are considered vital to the sustainable development of the global population.
Many intermediate cities are growing rapidly, in particular those in Africa and South America.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.