Urban planning question ....... why are city center important?

Question

Why are city centers important??

I have to write an essay about how i would re-build the city of Managua, Nicargua. I know that it is lacking a 'center' , which was never rebuilt after a bad earthquake..

Answer 1

city centers not only provide vital services (health, education, government sites), but also encourage a sense of belonging, a social place where people can gather, whether it be for companionship, recreation or just a place "to go", whatever reason, it's a place to bring people together and fosters a sense of security....now, the rest of your paper is up to you to do on your own--good luck!

Answer 2

The city center, especially in Latin cultures is the place where people meet. In the past, Latin cities were built around a Plaza where the communal water source was (usually a fountain) and where people met to wash clothes, talk business and socialize. In the evening it was where the "Paseo" took place. This was where the ladies walked around the plaza in one direction while the gentlemen walked around in the opposite direction so as to check each other out. All of these functions later turned into the "City Center" where all the official offices were maintained and around which the life of the town centers.