What did technology do to improve city life?
Many technological advances have made urban living easier. These technological advancements include the telephone, lightbulb, elevator, motion picture, and sewage systems. These advances led to an increase in population, bringing immigrants to the city. These technological advances made life easier in cities. Today’s cities are safer, more convenient and more secure than ever. Let’s look at the technological advances and their impact on urban life.
Industrialization
Many changes were brought about by the industrial revolution, which had a profound impact on both the economic and physical makeup of cities. Cities saw the construction of new factories and manufacturing plants, which led to an increase in population density and increased area. The new industries created housing problems for the newly-minted urbanites, and many lived in cramped tenement houses that were poorly built and old. Although this has changed over the past century, the fundamental pattern of city development remains the same.
Industrialization was a major factor in the rise of much of the modern world. This revolutionized the patterns of human settlements and labour. Women worked in textile factories in the first century and were better equipped to thread machinery and handle repetitive tasks. For little pay, they worked 16-hour days. These changes allowed urban areas to become modern centres. However, certain cities continue to lag behind the rest in terms of development.
Industrialization is closely linked to urbanization. This is when a country moves from an agricultural economy into a manufacturing economy. The vast majority of agricultural labour was spread over large areas of land. However, the manufacturing workforce was concentrated in the factories and the worker’s communities. People moved to cities as the industrial revolution progressed, and many cities grew in number. Industrialization was accompanied by economic reform and increased population. This process continues to this day.
Automobiles
The automobile revolutionized urban living. The automobile allowed free movement and access to places inaccessible by public transport. Because of its use, the notion of public and private accountability was changed. The automobile also shaped access to many places for the driving community. The automobile was used to bring the Civil War to America West in the United States. At the beginning of automobile existence, city streets followed the same patterns as streetcars and other modes. The automobile required a completely different streetscape design from public transport, which was already badly planned.
The popularity of the automobile in the United States fueled urbanization and the growth of suburbs. This revolution changed the organization of cities. It favoured male-dominated workers, making women more active and part of the cultural scene. A car allowed women to leave their homes and enjoy the urban lifestyle. Urban women were required to leave their homes by the 1950s to shop, pick up their children at school and do other important tasks.
Water and sewer systems
The United States was the centre of decentralized wastewater systems in the 1800s. These systems were often made up of vault-cesspools or privy vaults. However, the increasing American population led to their overuse. Centralized water-carriage systems created the master plan for large-scale wastewater treatment plants. These systems became popular as a management option for large urban populations.
Many European cities are finding it difficult to cope with the increasing volume of sewage. These systems are often in poor condition because of the growing population and the aging infrastructure. These systems will become less reliable as urbanization and climate change continue to disrupt rainfall patterns. Cities should also have enough funds to maintain and repair their water infrastructure. To avoid costly repairs in the future, it is important to take preventive steps to keep their systems running smoothly.
Two public utilities are located in Chicago’s water- and sewer system. The Department of Water Management (or DWM) is responsible for delivering one billion gallons of water daily to over five million people. It also manages the reclamation of the sewage. The MWD (formerly the Sanitary District) maintains almost 9,000 miles of water mains. Its mission is to improve urban life.
Electricity
Cities could not be lit at night before electricity. Gas lamps created fires that scared children and caused fear in the streets. Electric lights allowed city dwellers to stay up late and still get enough sleep. Skyscrapers were born as a result of the growing cities. Electricity made cities safer and more liveable. After dark, people could have more time to enjoy leisure activities.
At the beginning of the 20th century, cities were transformed. Electricity transformed city architecture, commuter life, public transport and commuter behaviour. Electricity is a powerful tool for modernizing public utilities and transport. 60% of the world’s energy use is made in cities, which also contribute 88% to CO2 emissions. By reducing pollution and energy consumption, electricity can make cities more sustainable. Electricity can make cities more sustainable, safer, healthier, and more balanced in the environment.
Edison’s 1880s invention of the lightbulb was the first significant example of electricity improving urban life. To install lighting systems in New York’s houses, Edison collaborated with J.P. Morgan. His electrical lighting systems used small generators and incandescent bulbs. These inventions allowed cities to increase productivity and allow factories to operate twenty-four hours per day. Electric light has been a key component of city life throughout history.
Telephones
The telephone has been an integral part of modern urban life. Telephones have improved the quality of life in cities and increased productivity for businesses. Because people can place orders over the phone, businesses can produce more products and services. This increased production required more workers. The increased demand led to the city’s growth and prosperity. The introduction of the telephone in the United States was a key factor in the American economy’s growth.
The telephone changed the way people communicate. The telephone allowed people to communicate more quickly and efficiently and helped them save both time and money. Telephones allowed businesses to reach out beyond their local borders, attracting customers from all parts of the country and worldwide. Businesses could expand beyond their local areas and open offices in multiple cities and countries. The telephone revolution enabled businesses to reach new customers and increase profits.
Although the telephone revolutionized urban life, there were also its drawbacks. Although it made communication easier, it also opened the possibility of invasion of privacy. Before the advent of telephones, people had to travel to central locations to make a call. People were also more likely to listen in on conversations not taking place in their homes. Regularly, switchboard operators invaded the privacy and security of individuals.
Electric lights
Electric lamps were commonplace in urban homes after the National Grid started to provide electricity. The resultant national grid was an integrated energy network that could distribute electricity across hundreds of miles. Electric lighting meant that people could not worry about gas lamps’ danger and could go to bed without assistance. The number of wired homes grew from 6% to almost two-thirds during this period. Electric lighting was viewed as a better alternative to gas and was praised for being modern, efficient, and clean. But, most lighting schemes were minimal unless wired in rich people’s homes. Task lighting was introduced later, combining modern minimalism and a modern aesthetic.
Electric lights made cities more lively. The advent of electricity made cities more liveable. Before then, people couldn’t get out into the night, and the countryside was dark. The lights of cities made it possible for workers to move around freely and increased the speed of city life. This made city life more pleasant and comfortable and increased employment. The availability of low-cost lighting eventually became a prerequisite for a vibrant city economy.
Telecommuting
Both individuals and organizations have adopted telecommuting as a common strategy. Some companies even have entire departments built around telecommuting. Telecommuting has many benefits. Telecommuters report better quality of life. Telecommuters most often report more time with their families and greater control over their children’s lives. Telecommuting has many benefits, but many telecommuters also feel lonely and ignored.
Telecommuting has a positive impact on productivity. A study of workers from different industries found that telecommuting made them more productive. Telecommuting also increases the professional networks of employees. These networks may be affected by telecommuting becoming more common. Traditional business districts may be affected by telecommuting and might have to move to remain competitive. According to a recent National Bureau of Economic Research study, more people choose to telecommute to work.
Recent research suggests that telecommuting will continue. How will this shift impact the local economy? It may increase economic development and reduce congestion. However, the long-term impact will depend on how many teleworkers are employed. Experts warn that teleworkers are driving longer and more often than ever before. Ultimately, it is up to the worker to decide what is important and what isn’t.