Fixing City Sprawl: How To Transform (Suburban & High-Density) Sprawls Into Balanced City.

A couple of years ago, I forfeited 9 months worth of rent, packed my things, and relocated to an even more expensive apartment. The apartment was so far away from 'government road', that you'd need a 30-minute Okada ride to connect to "civilization." The "estate" roads were bad and almost always flooded, which made finding Okada in the morning a miracle. I trekked most of the time to avoid getting to work late.

This experience isn't unusual in Lagos, which, like other major Nigerian cities, despite being made up of a very young and energetic demographic, remains sprawled and does not match what typical contemporary cities look like. An aerial view via Google Earth shows that the city is literally 50% slum (informal settlement) and 50% expensive high-density sprawl. No in-betweens. 

Not to sound alarmist, but the city's expanding at a rate at which it will soon have nowhere to spread to. The city needs to transform these sprawls into one that adjusts and adapts to the needs of its people without losing cost efficiency or jeopardizing comfort or affordability.

The real question here is: How?

Meanwhile, a new way of life (thanks to technological advancement, remote work, and nomadism) is reshaping housing, infrastructure, and community dynamics. Today, suburbs are morphing into vibrant, urban-like environments, influenced by growing populations, shifting economic dynamics, and changing lifestyle preferences. 

Did you read our previous post… where we discussed sprawl and its effect on the city? (Un)fortunately, sprawl can't be stopped (understandably so; people need affordable homes and will do what they must), but the suburban lifestyle as we know it is evolving. But how do we ensure that this evolution meets the demands of affordability, inclusivity, and sustainability?

Simply put, this post about how to retrofit sprawls is a double-edged piece that:

1. Looks into how to revive a high-density, sprawled city like Lagos into an urbanised contemporary city. and,
2. How to efficiently take the city to the suburbs, i.e., create an urban-life experience within suburbs.
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How To Transform (Suburban & High-Density) Sprawls Into Balanced Cities.
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1.1. Why Now? & Why a Retrofit is Important

1. Population Growth and Changing Demographics
   As cities expand outward, suburbs are experiencing increased density. Millennials (& Gen-Zs) are drawn to compact communities with urban amenities, while older generations (baby boomers) seek manageable homes within suburban settings. This shift is creating a demand for diverse housing options, from compact apartments to mixed-use developments.
2. Economic Transformation
   With the rise in ‘Tech.’ roles and an increase in demand for personal brands, resulting in the transition from manufacturing to service-based economies, traditional residential suburbs are becoming self-sufficient economic hubs. Job markets and commuting patterns are evolving, reducing dependence on central cities. Suburbs are now fostering local employment opportunities, creating vibrant community ecosystems.
3. Technological Connectivity
   Advances in transportation and communication have blurred the lines between urban and suburban living. Improved transit networks connect suburban areas to cities, enabling residents to enjoy the best of both worlds—urban convenience and suburban tranquillity.
4. Evolving Housing Preferences & Cost of Living
   Suburban housing is no longer limited to single-family homes. Younger generations favour affordable, compact housing in walkable neighbourhoods, while retirees opt for urban-style homes within suburban settings. This demand is driving a shift toward mixed-use developments, retrofitting existing spaces to combine residential, commercial, and recreational uses.
   
   

1.2. Challenges Facing Sprawl Transformation

While retrofitting suburban/urban sprawls offers immense potential, it is not without challenges:

• Efficiency: So far, the biggest challenge of sprawl is economic efficiency. Despite appearing to be a more cost-effective option, sprawls are economically deficient. Apart from the high consumption of (scarce) land, each new home requires new infrastructure, but the revenue generated from these sprawls doesn’t cover the infrastructure's long-term maintenance.
• Quality of Life/Affordability Concerns: Increased demand for urban-style living in sprawling areas drives up property values, potentially pricing out long-time residents.
• Strained Infrastructure: Nigerian cities are often synonymous with ageing, rigid transportation systems, power grids, and water facilities that struggle to accommodate growing populations.
• Preserving Community Identity: Integrating new developments without eroding the unique character of existing neighbourhoods is a delicate balancing act.
• Environmental Impact: Rising density and vehicle use contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable planning.

2.0 How To Retrofit Sprawls

Gone are the days of quiet neighbourhoods with large fenced compounds or rigid high-density zones with cookie-cutter, impersonal apartments. The new way young people live offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a blend of both worlds, a transformation to reshape how we live, blending urban vibrancy with suburban tranquillity. 

The middle ground lies between embracing thoughtful planning and combining innovative solutions to transform our cities into thriving environments that support residents across all income levels. 

The future lies in harmonizing city and suburban growth to build inclusive, affordable communities for all. It sounds cliché now, but it’s in incorporating affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity, the strategies that can be implemented as follows:

2.1. Inclusive Urban Planning
The focus of city planning/design should be on creating cities that can adjust, adapt, and evolve to meet their residents' demands. The quality of a city's design and its ability to morph according to its residents directly impact the quality of life, environmental sustainability, and social connections.

• Compact, Mixed-Use Design: By blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, communities can minimize travel distances, making daily life more convenient and reducing reliance on cars.
• Green Spaces and Public Areas: Parks, gardens, and communal spaces should be integral to every neighbourhood, offering residents opportunities to connect and relax in natural surroundings.
• Human-Centred Architecture: Walkable streets, bike lanes, and pedestrian zones can replace car-dominated layouts, encouraging healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.
  
  

2.2. Fostering a Sense of Community

High-density areas can thrive when they replicate the social fabric of smaller villages. This involves creating environments that foster belonging and engagement.

• Shared Amenities: Community centres, playgrounds, and local markets encourage interaction and provide essential services within walking distance.
• Inclusive Housing: Mixed-income housing developments can create diverse communities where people from various backgrounds coexist, fostering mutual understanding and reducing economic segregation.
• Cultural Anchors: Incorporating local art, history, and cultural landmarks can help retain the neighbourhood's unique identity and appeal.
  
  

2.3. Leveraging Technology for Better Living

Modern technology can bridge the gap between high-density living and the village appeal by enhancing connectivity and sustainability.

• Smart Infrastructure: Energy-efficient buildings, smart grids, and sustainable waste management systems can ensure environmental responsibility.
• Digital Community Platforms: Digital connectivity will help residents connect better, organize events, share resources, and stay informed about local issues, thus building stronger social ties.

3.0 Conclusion

3.1. Taking the City to the Suburbs

The transformation (or not) of suburbs into vibrant, urban-like environments—often referred to as suburban urbanization—is influenced by growing populations, shifting economic dynamics, and changing lifestyle preferences.

Upgrading/optimizing the suburbs means making them beyond housing—creating vibrant, inclusive communities that balance economic opportunity with environmental responsibility. Sustainable development in suburbs requires investments in infrastructure, and zoning reforms to improve quality of life.

This must also address affordability and inequality to ensure urban living remains accessible and diverse. Including bold actions from stakeholders making strategic investments in infrastructure and transit to create resilient communities equipped to face economic challenges.

3.2. Balancing Density with the Village Appeal

The problem with high-density sprawl lies in its lack of balance. It often prioritizes maximizing space usage over quality of life, resulting in isolating, profit-driven developments with limited social interaction or communal amenities. 

To counter this, urban planning can adopt a “village appeal” by incorporating features that promote social interaction and community building. The goal is to create spaces where residents feel connected, supported, and engaged, despite the challenges of population density.

This approach not only improves quality of life but also ensures long-term sustainability for growing urban populations.

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