Aerocities – A new concept in urban development

In modern cities, business districts form a vital and essential part of their entire being. In much the same way, airports and transit hubs here also play the core part in imparting an appeal for both business and for tourism in these cities. With airports playing an increasingly important role as economic accelerators, it may be, therefore, not an exaggeration to say that the centre of gravity of modern cities’ business is undergoing a sure and directed shift towards aerocities—essentially an urban plan in which the layout, infrastructure and economy is centred on an airport. Therefore, aerocities can be regarded as the 21st century’s new urban-development paradigm.
Let us first try and understand clearly the accessibility part of the aerocity-CBD (central business district) equation. An important factor determining the viability and appeal of an aerocity is its degree of integration with the city it supports. While proximity to airports has been an essential part of any development which aids the travellers and transit populations, the factor that has not been given enough consideration until now is the degree of integration of an aerocity with its host city.