Urban
Joel Garreau in Introduction, explains the conditions of Edge Cities, those of dispersed sub-urban cores that juxtapose multiple entities out in the physical edge of a landscape, qualities similar to those described by Rem Koolhaas in Atlanta, although differ from Atlanta’s overall disbursement which entitles it a city. In accordance with Garreaus description, Edge Cities seems to improve growth and quality of living among its users.
Garreau describes Edge Cities as a “psychological location, a state of mind, even more than a physical place.” Yet, Edge Cities show various physical characteristics that determine their purpose in our contemporary lives. Edge Cities are exclusive to a Western mindset that is to the Americans and their effort to allocate the vital functions of any city closer to what they describe as home. This in turn creates a new environment of juxtaposed entities over a blank slate.
Atlanta as described by Rem Koolhaas, shares various characteristics that Edge Cities have, yet differs in its overall composition and origin. Atlanta is composed of distributed downtown’s, hence making it seem more of landscape rather than a city. Downtown has become anywhere. The lack of a grid layout or systematized distribution system, gives Atlanta the ability to perpetually grow and disperse. The lack of a center gives it no border under which expansion can be limited of restricted. Yet, the motifs of Atlanta’s growth differ on those of conventional Edge Cities, since Atlanta’s push for relocation lies under economic interests, easy access, and points of freedom.
Edge Cities resemble characteristics of multiple American cities and the desire for the user to free from the conventional urban environment. This allocation seems to be beneficial and contributes to the overall growth of cities.