Description
A distinguishing feature of recent urbanization in the ASEAN
countries of Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and
Indonesia is the outward extension of their mega-cities (Bangkok,
Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur) beyond the metropolitan
borders, resulting in the establishment of new towns, industrial
estates, and housing projects in previously rural areas. This process
has both positive and negative effects. On one side, household incomes
and employment opportunities are increasing, but on the other, the
growth often causes serious problems in terms of environmental
deterioration, conflicting land uses, and inadequate housing and
service provisions.
Mega Urban Regions of Southeast Asia is the first
comprehensive work on the subject of ASEAN mega-urban regions. The
contributors review T.G. McGee's original idea of desakota zones,
and offer arguments both for and against this concept, making a
significant contribution to our understanding of the true face of ASEAN
cities. The book brings together authors from around the world and will
be of interest to a wide audience, including demographers, urban
planners, geographers, sociologists, economists, civil servants and
development consultants.
Reviews
Overall, Mega Urban Regions of Southeast Asia makes an important contribution to the literature.... the editors have done a very good job of linking the papers and providing useful overview and synthesis chapters.
- David E. Dowall
An important and timely book on a subject eliciting growing attention and development implication worldwide. Every student of urbanization in Asia should read this well-balanced work.
- Yue-Man Yeung
My overall assessment of the book is very positive. Its various sections come together very well and it contains a great deal of useful information about an internationally significant regional development form. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in regional and national development, urban geography, and political as well as sociocultural change in Southeast Asia.
- Frank J. Costa, Dept of Geography and Planning, The University of Akron