City & Urban life

20 words

1. 1

   transit-oriented developmentcollocation

   development focused on concentrating housing, shops and services within walking distance of public transport stops

   “The council supports transit-oriented development to reduce car use.”

2. 2

   pedestrian-friendly designcollocation

   street and public-space design that makes walking safe, easy and pleasant

   “The new square is a good example of pedestrian-friendly design with wide pavements.”

3. 3

   congestion chargenoun phrase/kənˈdʒestʃən tʃɑːdʒ/

   A fee drivers pay to enter a crowded area, intended to reduce traffic.

   “Many European cities use a congestion charge to discourage driving into the centre during weekdays.”

4. 4

   municipal servicesnoun phrase/mjuːˈnɪsɪpəl ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/

   Services provided by a city or local government, such as waste collection or libraries.

   “The council cut municipal services last year, which caused public outcry.”

5. 5

   urban design guidelinesnoun phrase/ˈɜːbən dɪˈzaɪn ˈɡaɪdlaɪnz/

   Rules or recommendations that shape the look and function of urban spaces.

   “The council published new urban design guidelines to ensure future developments respect the city's character.”

6. 6

   walkability indexnoun phrase/ˌwɔːkəˈbɪlɪti ˈɪndeks/

   A measure of how easy and safe it is to walk around a neighbourhood.

   “The city's planners used a walkability index to decide where to add footpaths and crossings.”

7. 7

   gentrification processnoun phrase/ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ˈprəʊsɛs/

   The process where a neighbourhood becomes wealthier and original residents are often displaced.

   “The gentrification process transformed the old docks into trendy cafés.”

8. 8

   land value taxnoun phrase/ˌlænd ˈvæljuː tæks/

   A tax on the value of land itself, regardless of buildings on it.

   “Economists argue that a land value tax can discourage land speculation and make housing more affordable.”

9. 9

   urban decaynoun phrase/ˈɜːbən dɪˈkeɪ/

   The process where city areas fall into disrepair and become run-down.

   “Many inner suburbs suffer from urban decay after factories close.”

10. 10

    peripheral developmentnoun phrase/pəˈrɪfərəl dɪˈvɛləpmənt/

    New building or neighbourhood growth that happens on the edge of a city.

    “Peripheral development has increased as people seek cheaper housing outside the city core.”

11. 11

    mass transit systemcollocation/ˌmæs ˈtrænzɪt ˌsɪstəm/

    a large-scale public transport network such as trains, trams or buses that carries many people

    “Investing in a reliable mass transit system can reduce car use.”

12. 12

    transport infrastructurenoun phrase/ˈtrænspɔːt ˌɪnfrəˈstrʌktʃə/

    the physical systems that make transport possible, such as roads, bridges and railways

    “Investment in transport infrastructure is essential for economic growth.”

13. 13

    housing affordabilitynoun phrase/ˈhaʊzɪŋ əˌfɔːdəˈbɪlɪti/

    how easy it is for people to pay for housing

    “Rising mortgage rates have made housing affordability a major concern for young families.”

14. 14

    street vendingnoun phrase/striːt ˈvɛndɪŋ/

    The act of selling goods or food informally on streets or sidewalks.

    “Street vending provides affordable snacks to commuters.”

15. 15

    sustainable transportnoun phrase/səˈsteɪnəbl trænsˈpɔːt/

    Transport methods that minimise environmental impact, such as walking, cycling, or efficient public services.

    “The city invested in sustainable transport to reduce carbon emissions.”

16. 16

    bus rapid transitcollocation/ˌbʌs ˌræpɪd ˈtrænzɪt/

    a high-quality bus system that uses dedicated lanes or priority measures to provide fast, reliable urban transport similar to a metro but at lower cost

    “Many mid-sized cities have introduced bus rapid transit to cut commute times without building an expensive metro.”

17. 17

    green beltcollocation/ˈɡriːn ˌbɛlt/

    an area of protected open land around a city intended to prevent urban sprawl

    “The council wants to preserve the green belt to stop new housing developments.”

18. 18

    residential zoningnoun phrase/ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl ˈzəʊnɪŋ/

    The practice of designating land areas for housing as part of urban planning rules.

    “Residential zoning restricts commercial businesses in certain neighbourhoods.”

19. 19

    night-time economynoun phrase/ˈnaɪtˌtaɪm ɪˈkɒnəmi/

    Economic activities that happen during the evening and night, like bars, theatres and night markets.

    “The night-time economy brings tourists but can also cause noise complaints.”

20. 20

    public-private partnershipcollocation

    a long-term agreement between the public sector and private companies to deliver public projects or services

    “The bridge was built under a public-private partnership.”