Energy constraints and future spatial patterns of American cities


Published: Jan 1, 1976
Frank J. Costa
Ashok K. Dutt
Abstract

During the modern industrial era there have developed
several significant changes in urban land use and transportation
patterns. These changes are largely tied to the use of
energy in combination with new technology.
This paper seeks to examine how urban land use and transportation
patterns have responded to continually increasing
per capita energy consumption levels.
New energy consumption levels associated with expected
enervi shortages are also examined. It is theorized that
the spatially-expanding urban complexes of today will begin
to solidify and become more densely utilized with respect
to both land use and population settlement. This new
urban spatial pattern will highlight the need for sound and
comprehensive regional land-use planning.
A model of planning organization in such a context is proposed
which seeks to achieve regional development objectives
within the context of declining per capita energy consumption.

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Author Biographies
Frank J. Costa, University of Akron, Ohio

Frank J. Costa was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1941. He
received his B.A. degree (with honours) from Kent State University,
USA, in 1962. He specialized in Civil Engineering and
Urban Planning and he received his M.A. degree from the Case
Institute of Technology (Case Western Reserve University) in
1964. In 1966-1967 he was awarded with a Fullbright Exchange
Scholarship. He received his Ph.D. in Urban and Regional
Planning from University of Wiskonsin in 1974. He has been
Chief City Planner and Assistant Planning Director (Planning
Department, Youngstown, Ohio, 1964-1966 and 1967-1968);
Instructor (Political Science and Sociology Department) at
Youngstown State University, 1968-1969; Director of Center
for Urban Studies at Youngstown State University, 1970-
1972. Now he is Managing Director in the Center for Urban
Studies at the University of Akron. He has participated in various
committees and conferences and is a member of professional
organizations. In 1976 he has been Visiting Professor in
John Cabot International College, Rome. He is the author of
several scientific works and has published many papers presented
in various international conferences.

Ashok K. Dutt, University of Akron, Ohio

Professor of Geography
and Urban Studies. The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
44325, USA. Place of Birth: Hazaribagh, Bihar, India. Education:
1. G.M.S.S. School, Madhubani, Bihar, India. 2. Patna
College, Patna, India, B.A. (Honours). 3. The Patna University,
Patna, India, M.A. in Geography. 4. The Patna University,
Patna, India, M.A. in Political Science. 5. The Institute
of Social Studies, The Hague, The Netherlands, Diploma in
Comprehensive Planning. 6. The Patna University, Patna,
India, Ph. D. in Urban Geography. Author of books include,
Southeast Asia, India: Resources & Planning, and India in
Maps. Published over 45 articles in leading professional Planning,
Geography and Social Science journals of nine countries
of the world.