This chapter focuses on understanding the role and processes of urbanization.In addition, we look at the city spatially, and at the role people play in building and shaping cities. In particular, the chapter emphasizes recent understandings of urban sustainability and urban systems thinking, i.e. the interconnectedness and complexity of various components within urban environments.

1. How has the general evolution of cities progressed over time?
2. In what ways do cities fit into the concept of a global sense of place?
3. Are there patterns in regards to the distribution of cities and their relative size?
4. What are the key aspects that explain the internal structure of cities and help in comparing urban models?
5. How do political and economic policies shape the development and structure of cities?
6. How can viewing cities as interconnected systems help us understand the relationships between urban areas, their residents, and the environment?