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URBAN AREA VS SUBURBAN AREA

Urban vs. Suburban Area

Course Name: Communication for Architects Course Teacher: KASPIA SULTANA Semester: Summer 2012

Report Writing: Urban Area vs. Suburban AreaA survey among prospective marriage candidates (both gender, from the age of 20 to 26), which took place in Banani, Gulshan, Baridhara and Bashundhara Residential Area.

A report submitted to the Department of English, AIUB, in part-fulfillment of the requirements of the final examination.

Submission Date: 07-08-2012

Student Name: ISLAM, NAFISA I.D.: 10-16696-2

American International University Bangladesh

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

24th July 2012

Kaspia Sultana Course Teacher, Communication for Architects Faculty of English, AIUB

Subject: Submission of Report

Dear Madam,

I am delighted to submit this report entitled Urban vs. Suburban Area which has been prepared in part-fulfillment of the requirements of the final examination of Communication for Architects.

This report is mostly survey based, contemplating on prospective marriage candidates choices. The report concentrates on whether they would prefer to live in an Urban or a Suburban area, once they get married. It also focuses on the pros and cons of both urban and suburban areas through the eyes of the participants.

I am very thankful for having the opportunity to work on this report. I enjoyed the whole process and learned a lot. Despite all my possible attempts, certain deficiencies may reside and I sincerely regret in advance for that.

Sincerely, Nafisa Islam 10-16696-2

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Preface

All the major cities of the world have both Urban and Suburban Areas, so does Dhaka City. And the population densities of those areas vary depending on the preference of people. Peoples preferences change with time, and once they decide to settle down. Thus, this report concentrates on whether the prospective marriage candidates would prefer to live in an Urban or a Suburban area. Survey plays a major part in this report and it took place among the residents of Banani, Gulshan, Baridhara and Bashundhara Residential Area. As much as this report gives attention to peoples views, it also focuses on many things related to Urban and Suburban life and their pros and cons.

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Acknowledgement

First and foremost I would like to thank the course teacher of Communication for Architects, Kaspia Sultana for the valuable guidance and advice. I am truly grateful for having the opportunity of working in this report. Her willingness to help and motivate us contributed greatly to my report. I would also like to thank her for giving each student her precious time. Besides, I would like to thank the respondents who helped me by giving their answers to the questionnaires and interviews. I am very thankful as they gave me valuable time out of their busy schedules. Their cooperation really helped me to analyze and finalize this report. Finally an honorable mention goes to my family and friends for their understanding and support throughout the course of this report. Without the help of those mentioned, I would not be able to complete this report properly.

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Table of Contents Title Page.2 Forwarding Letter3 Preface.4 Acknowledgement..5 Table of Contents6 List of Illustrations...7 Abstract8

1.01.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6

IntroductionBackground9 Purpose..10 Scope..10 Research Methodologies..11 Limitations11 Organization of the report..12

2.0 3.0 4.0

Discussion..13 Conclusion..24 Recommendation.. 26

AppendixBibliography..30

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

List of Illustrations

Table 1: Number of male and female participants in each area Table 2: Preference among relaxed and hectic lifestyles Table 3: Desired Preference among two options Table 4: Preferred location of work-place / office Table 5: Affect of Traffic Jams Table 6: Preference among Single Family Residence and Apartment Building Table 7: Preference among peace and quiet, and the hustle bustle of city life Table 8: Preference among Large City and Small Town

Graph 1: Number of participants in each area Graph 2: Percentage of male and female participants choosing between relaxed and hectic lifestyle Graph 3: Percentage of male and female participants looking forward to peace and quiet Graph 4: Percentage preferring large city and small town

Pie Chart 1: Age Statistics among Females Pie Chart 2: Age Statistics among Males Pie Chart 3: Percentage of Males and Females choosing Large City and Small Town

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Abstract

It is completely up to peoples choice from all around the world where they want to reside, whether in an Urban or a Suburban area. The whole study has been carried out considering the preference of prospective marriage candidates of Dhaka. In order to do the research, I had to go through a primary data collection procedure and also had to surf the internet for reference. 40 participants were asked questions in the research process. The survey took place among the citizens of Banani, Gulshan, Baridhara and Bashundhara Residential Area. Questionnaire, interview and observation techniques were used in order to find out the desired survey result. The data was preserved and mathematically analyzed and at last presented through tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The search had some limitations of mixed reactions which sometimes confusing and hampered the decision making about the result. The results came out to be very close. At last after finishing the survey and the statistical analysis, it turned out that the prospective marriage candidates of Dhaka city would prefer to live in a suburban area. Many important factors related to the citizens and the city itself resurfaced through the course of this report writing. The research proved that the personal lives and backgrounds of each candidate have a great impact on their preferences.

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Chapter 1

1.01.1

IntroductionBackground

Urban people live in large cities. Suburban people live on the fringes of the city or in towns surrounding larger cities. It would be a generalization to say that their attitudes and cultures are different, but if I were to generalize, I would say the urban dwellers choose to live there because they like the excitement of the busy environment. They enjoy having lots of different activities to choose from and would be bored without the hectic pace of the city. People often choose to live in suburban areas when they are concerned about higher crime rates in cities. They often have children and don't want their children going to large urban schools. These are also individuals who like a more relaxed and quiet lifestyle. Again, this is a generalization as everyone is different. There comes a time in everybodys life when he/she has to decide where they want to lead a life. This happens especially when someone is thinking of settling down, so the age range is usually from 20 to 26. In other words, the participants are prospective marriage candidates. This report reflects on the preference among urban and suburban area, when it comes to youngsters today, who are looking forward to settling down and having a family in the near future.

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

1.2

PurposePrimary Objective To obtain the information concerning the preference among urban and suburban areas when it comes to prospective marriage candidates. Secondary Objectives To get hold of the results from certain urban and suburban areas of Dhaka city. Urban Banani, Gulshan Suburban Baridhara, Bashundhara Residential Area To differentiate the preference among male and female genders. To acquire the pros and cons of both urban and suburban areas with the help of the participants. To analyze the whole survey and come to an authentic conclusion.

1.3

ScopeThe survey covers a heterogeneous sample of population. It took place among both the genders. The participants mostly belong to the socio-economic class. Most of them have not started their professional lives yet, but are students in different universities, studying different majors. The survey took place among 40 people (both genders are equally covered within the range). The study covers four areas of Dhaka city Banani, Gulshan, Baridhara and Bashundhara Residential Area.

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

1.4

Research MethodologiesThe research collected data through surveys. The survey selected 40 respondents throughout the mentioned areas in Dhaka city. The survey is a mixture of closed-ended questions and open-ended questions on both urban and suburban areas, and other similar aspects concerning those areas. The survey data collection method was selected because it was most appropriate to collect quantitative data. Additionally, it allowed the research to collect data quickly, which was important with limited time. The method was also covenant for the participants. The participants for this survey were selected on the basis of availability.

1.5

LimitationsThe report comprises limitations such as: Shortage of time caused the research to lack precision. The study may not be applicable in other areas of Dhaka City. Lack of time and transportation facilities made it difficult to represent all regions of the city. The whole procedure lacked theoretical support, was completely experimental, rather very practical.

1.6

Organization of the ReportThe report studies the pattern of preference among urban and suburban areas, when it comes to prospective marriage candidates of Banani, Gulshan, Baridhara and Bashundhara Residential Area. Chapter 1 provides the background of the report. The objectives of the report are also stated clearly to facilitate the overall implementation of the report. Methodologies are stated in order to provide an unambiguous idea to the readers about how the research has been conducted. Several limitations that have been faced during the whole procedure are also mentioned.11

Urban vs. Suburban Area

Chapter 2 highlights the major findings of the research. Various illustrations such as graphs, pie charts and tables serve to facilitate the presentation of the report. Chapter 3 provides the summary of the findings. Chapter 4 contains the recommendations.

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Chapter 2

2.0 DiscussionFindings and AnalysesThe research took place in four areas of Dhaka City Banani, Gulshan, Baridhara, and Bashundhara Residential Area. The Participants were not equally spread among the areas, rather very randomly distributed. As Table 1 points out, there were 40 participants from the four areas, 21 female participants and 19 male participants.

Table 1Area Banani Gulshan Baridhara Bashundhara Residential Area No. of Female Participants 4 7 5 5 No. of Male Participants 8 3 3 5

Graph 1 Number of Participants in each Area14 12 12 10 10 8 8 6 4 2 0Banani Gulshan Baridhara Badhundhara Residential Area No. of Participants

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Since all the participants are prospective marriage candidates, after asking them in the open-ended interview sessions, it was found that within an average of 3 years they will be settling down, in other words get married. The participants involved were within the age range 20 to 26.

Pie Chart 1 Age Statistics among Females20

Pie Chart 2 Age Statistics among Males20 25 22

26

21

25

21

2424 23 23 22

The participants were asked about their preference when it comes to choosing between a relaxed and quiet lifestyle, and a lifestyle that includes the hectic pace of the city. The participants who chose a relaxed and quiet lifestyle outnumbered the participants choosing the other option by 4 numbers, as shown in Table 2.

Table 2Preference Female Participants Male Participants

Relaxed and Quiet Lifestyle

17

9

Lifestyle with the hectic pace of the city

4

10

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Graph 2 shows the percentage among male and female participants when it comes to choosing between a relaxed and quiet lifestyle, and a lifestyle that includes the hectic pace of the city.

Graph 29080 70 60 50

4030 20 10 0 Relaxed and Quiet Lifestyle Lifestyle with the hectic pace of the city

Female Participants

Male Participants

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

The participants were asked to choose between the following options: (a) More space, a lawn to stretch out on, the luxury of simply pulling into a driveway (b) Easy access to work, the theatre, great ethnic restaurants The results show that the preference is divided equally among the two options, as Table 3 demonstrates.

Table 3Preference Number of Participants

More space, a lawn to stretch out on, the luxury of simply pulling into a driveway

20

Easy access to work, the theatre, great ethnic restaurants

20

Table 4 shows the participants preferred location for work-place / office. And the results (for most of the participants) show that - no matter where one participant chooses to live, he would want his work-place to be closer to his residence.

Table 4Preferred Location Number of Participants

Far from the residence

19

Closer to where one lives

21

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

No matter where one chooses to live, traffic jams seems to be a crucial problem. In an urban area, being busy and hectic, there is always an immense density of traffic jams. Traffic Jams are not that visible within suburban areas. But even if someone is living in a suburban area, he/she would definitely have to come to the urban area for work or any other important errand, and since there lies a large distance, traffic jams would present as a great disturbance.

Table 5Traffic JamsBother a lot

Number of Participants33

Do not bother as much

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Among the 40 participants, most of them would like to live in a Single Family Residence in the future, rather than an Apartment Building. After the open-ended question sessions, it was deduced that most of them would prefer single family residence because it is more personal and has more space, sometimes a lawn and/or a swimming pool.

Table 6Preference Female Respondents Male Respondents

Single Family Residence

12

11

Apartment Building

9

8

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Generally most of the participants are looking forward to peace and quiet, to escape from their work and the stresses of city life. Comparatively lesser participants are looking forward to living in an urban center to enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life.

Table 7Looking forward to Number of Participants

Peace and quiet, to escape from their work and the stresses of city life.

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Living in an urban center to enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life

13

Graph 380

7060 50 40 30 20 10 Female Participants Male Participants

0Looking forward to peace and quiet Looking forward to living in an urban center

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

The research results are very close. The preference among urban and suburban areas is almost equally divided. However, more precisely, most people would prefer to live in a suburban area. As Table 8 indicates, out of the 40 participants surveyed, 21 of them would prefer to live in a small town, a suburban area. And 19 of them would prefer a large city, an urban area.

Table 8Preference Female Respondents9

Male Respondents10

Large City

Small Town

12

9

Pie Chart 3

Males choosing Large City, 26.50%

Females chooisng Large City, 21.50%

Females choosing Small Town, 28.50%

Males choosing Small Town, 23.50%

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Typical Urban Area of Dhaka City Banani

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Typical Suburban Area of Dhaka City Baridhara and Bashundhara

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Graph 4

60 50 40 Urban Area / Large City

3020 10 0 Female Participants Male Participants

Suburban Area / Small Town

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Chapter 3

3.0

Conclusion

The importance of where one wants to reside is crucial. Ones home is after all the place where he would want to come and relax and do whatever he wants. Ones residence can be secluded, away from all the hustle and bustle of daily city life. On the other hand, anothers residence can be right in the middle of where all the actions take place.

At a certain point in life, everybody needs to decide on where they want to live, an urban or suburban area. The decision time comes around when one wants to settle down, get married and have children. These days, people start planning about their futures from beforehand. So the age range from when they start planning about settling down is usually from 20 to 26.

The study has been carried out keeping all the basic considerations in mind. The study showed a vivid picture on different issues.

Most of the participants categorized themselves as being social. The average age among males and females who participated is 23. In average, they are looking forward to getting married within or after 3 years. Most of them would like to have 2 children in the future. Half of the participants would want their children to go to Reputable Public Schools, and the other half would prefer Large Urban Schools.

The research showed that female participants preferred small towns and male participants preferred large cities. So it might seem like that males would prefer to live in an urban area in the future. However, the deduction is not made based on answers to just one question.

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Finally the research proved that most of the participants, both male and female would prefer to live in a suburban area by all means, even though the results came out to be very close. Most of the participants would like a relaxed and quiet lifestyle as opposed to a lifestyle that includes the hectic pace of the city. Half of the participants would desire more space, a lawn to stretch out on, and the luxury of simply puling into a driveway. And the other half would desire easy access to work, the theatre, and great ethnic food.

After the open-ended and close-ended question sessions, it was obvious to conclude the fact that most of the participants, both male and female would rather choose to live in a suburban area rather than an urban area. The interview questions helped a lot to understand what the participants really want. The fact that most participants are looking forward to living in a suburban area is based on two main factors among others, they are: Most of the male and female participants would like to live in a single family residence because of more space, personal freedom and privacy. Most of the male and female participants are looking forward to peace and quiet to escape from their work and stresses of city life.

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Chapter 4

4.0

Recommendations

Based on the findings, it is apparent that most of the participants would like to settle in a suburban area in the future. However, the most common constraints are: Suburbs can be too quiet and boring at times Far away from all the action in the city The cost of transportation adds up

The constraints for which most of the participants did not choose an urban area for living are: Noise, Traffic, too much Population Higher crime rates Pollution Less Space, absence of gardens and yards

Generally, suburban areas (also known as suburbs), pertain to residential districts. Quite often, it is seen that suburbs have a lower population density when compared to urban territories. Conversely, urban territories are often synonymous to a bigger number of residents, or people. The more humans living in a certain city, the denser its overall population will be. Either way, urban and metropolitan territories are more congested. There usually are more buildings, and the houses are closer together, unlike the suburbs where you can enjoy more space and have a bigger area for a backyard or garden. Suburban living is for you if you love peace and quiet, and you are looking to escape from your work and the stresses of city life. The suburbs usually offer more than urban areas: more room for your home, more greenery and more opportunities to develop friendships with neighbors. A suburban home will cost you less than one of comparable size in the city, and suburban homes are often larger and have more amenities. A larger home could also offer financial benefits, such as giving you room to develop a home-based business. Thus, it is recommended for prospective marriage candidates to choose suburban areas when they decide to settle down and start a family.

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Appendix

Sample QuestionnaireName: Age: Gender: Address:

1. Where would you prefer to live?a) A small town surrounding larger cities b) A large city

2. What kind of lifestyle do you like?a) Relaxed and quiet lifestyle b) Lifestyle that includes the hectic pace of the city

3. In urban areas, on your doorstep will be your favorite boutique shops and majordepartment stores. Does this matter to you? a) No b) Yes

4. In the future, which kind of school would you prefer for your children?a) Reputable Public Schools b) Large Urban Schools

5. In the future, you would like to live in a _______________a) Single family residence b) Apartment building

6. What would you rather desirea) More space, a lawn to stretch out on, the luxury of simply pulling into a driveway b) Easy access to work, the theater, great ethnic restaurants

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

7. How would you categorize yourself?a) Cant stand noise - the traffic, the people, the nightlife b) A social person, enjoy arts and culture and great food

8. Where would you prefer your work-place / office to be?a) Far from your residence b) Closer to where you live

9. City areas often have higher crime rates and pollution from all the traffic. Do thesematters concern you? a) Yes b) No

10. What are you looking forward to?a) Peace and quiet, to escape from your work and the stresses of city life b) Living in an urban center to enjoy the hustle and bustle

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Sample Interview Questions1. Would you consider yourself to be social or antisocial? 2. How many years from now do you see yourself getting married? 3. How many children would you like to have in the future? 4. Do you favor a family where both parents work for a living? 5. What is the main reason behind your preferred choice of area? 6. What is the explanation for not choosing the other option? 7. To what extent do traffic jams bother you? 8. Do recreational areas play an important part in your life? Why? 9. Does the cost of transportation matter to you? 10. What do you think is the greatest disadvantage of your choice of area?

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Urban vs. Suburban Area

Bibliography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_area http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suburban_area

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