Skyscrapers are growing rapidly
Australia is one of the most urbanized countries, with an urbanization rate that has remained above 80% since the 1960s and will reach an all-time high in 2021. In recent years, Australia has experienced a significant skyscraper construction boom, particularly in Melbourne. This phenomenon not only symbolizes rapid economic growth, but also represents the rapid development of urbanization and globalization. As more skyscrapers go up, the problem of traffic congestion and urban waste pollution is becoming more and more serious. How to strengthen the construction of urban infrastructure and how to maintain the city's unique culture have become urgent topics (Yarra River, 26 October, 2023).
The vehicles are working overtime
With the increasing urbanization process in Australia, the population is increasing, and the demand for transport is also increasing. Melbourne, as an important urban center in Australia, in order to cope with urbanization changes and meet the travel needs of a large number of passengers, Melbourne's transportation system is working overtime to upgrade and expand, the subway, old routes are being expanded, and new traffic routes are also being built to improve traffic efficiency and reduce congestion. The Australian government spends about $56 a year on infrastructure, of which about $1 billion is spent on rail transport infrastructure (Flinders Street Station, 26 October, 2023).
With the increasing urbanization process in Australia, the population is increasing, and the demand for transport is also increasing. Melbourne, as an important urban center in Australia, in order to cope with urbanization changes and meet the travel needs of a large number of passengers, Melbourne's transportation system is working overtime to upgrade and expand, the subway, old routes are being expanded, and new traffic routes are also being built to improve traffic efficiency and reduce congestion. The Australian government spends about $56 a year on infrastructure, of which about $1 billion is spent on rail transport infrastructure (Flinders Street Station, 26 October, 2023).
The horizon filled with cranes: The continuous push for urbanization
Cranes have filled the skyline of Melbourne in recent years, becoming an important symbol of the city's development. Each crane represents a new construction project, be it a skyscraper, a commercial center or a residential area, which together bear witness to Melbourne's ongoing urbanization. This intensive construction activity reflects Melbourne's determination to meet the needs of a growing population and economy. The new buildings create more space for citizens and businesses, while also bringing more possibilities and opportunities to the city. However, the horizon filled with cranes is also a challenge for urbanization, both to ensure the quality of construction and to protect the safety of residents who pass by. Despite this, Melbourne seems ready to embrace the new urbanization process (Yarra River Maritime Park, 27 October, 2023).
Urbanization is in stark contrast: tall buildings and old houses
Because Australia is so vast and sparsely populated, when walking on the street, stark contrast is everywhere: modern high-rise buildings and ancient houses stand side by side, as if the intersection of time, both the atmosphere of the future, without losing the traces of history. These skyscrapers, with their modern design and glass building, highlight Melbourne's modernity and internationalization. At the same time, the old houses carry the history and culture of the city, they bear witness to Melbourne's past and growth. This combination is not only a cultural inheritance, but also a vision for the future. In the process of urbanization, we should not forget to strengthen the protection of old houses so as to adapt to the fast pace of urbanization (M-City, Clayton. 27 October, 2023).
Art and culture are constantly adapted to the urban landscape
However, with the rapid development of urbanization, how to protect the original art has become a top priority. The intersection of traditional art forms and modern creativity injects a unique charm into the city. At the same time, street art has also made the city more vivid and diverse, and has gradually become a feature of urban development, attracting more and more tourists around the world to come to experience. This integration not only provides a rich cultural experience for citizens and visitors, but also promotes economic and social development. With its open and innovative spirit, Melbourne has successfully combined arts and culture with the development of urbanization, setting a model for the world （St Kilda Rd, 28 October, 2023).
‘Oasis’ in concrete
In its rapidly expanding concrete jungle, it cleverly integrates numerous green Spaces to form an "oasis" in the city. These oases, whether spacious parks, street-lined green belts or rooftop gardens, provide a place of peace and relaxation for city dwellers. Surrounded by tall buildings, these green Spaces become a bridge for people to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. Dong, a Monash student living in the City, said, "When the weather is sunny, I will read books on the lawn every day. Only in the face of the lawn can I really relax, which is an experience that high-rise buildings do not have" (Martime Park, 28 October, 2023).
In its rapidly expanding concrete jungle, it cleverly integrates numerous green Spaces to form an "oasis" in the city. These oases, whether spacious parks, street-lined green belts or rooftop gardens, provide a place of peace and relaxation for city dwellers. Surrounded by tall buildings, these green Spaces become a bridge for people to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. Dong, a Monash student living in the City, said, "When the weather is sunny, I will read books on the lawn every day. Only in the face of the lawn can I really relax, which is an experience that high-rise buildings do not have" (Martime Park, 28 October, 2023).
The population of urban centers is booming
Melbourne, as Australia's cultural and economic center, has experienced significant population growth in recent years. This increase is not only the result of internal migration, but also due to international migration and rising fertility rates. At the same time, Melbourne's urbanization is progressing at a breakneck pace, with new residential and commercial centers springing up. The growth of population and the development of urbanization form a mutually reinforcing relationship. A larger population drives greater economic demand and activity, which drives urban construction and infrastructure renewal. "Since the pandemic, more and more people are choosing to come to Melbourne. While this is a good development for Melbourne, the large population seriously affects my life. I didn't have to wait in line to eat before, but now I have to wait in line for at least 15 minutes." said Kun Lei, a student at Monash University (Bourke Street Mall, 27 October, 2023).
Melbourne, as Australia's cultural and economic center, has experienced significant population growth in recent years. This increase is not only the result of internal migration, but also due to international migration and rising fertility rates. At the same time, Melbourne's urbanization is progressing at a breakneck pace, with new residential and commercial centers springing up. The growth of population and the development of urbanization form a mutually reinforcing relationship. A larger population drives greater economic demand and activity, which drives urban construction and infrastructure renewal. "Since the pandemic, more and more people are choosing to come to Melbourne. While this is a good development for Melbourne, the large population seriously affects my life. I didn't have to wait in line to eat before, but now I have to wait in line for at least 15 minutes." said Kun Lei, a student at Monash University (Bourke Street Mall, 27 October, 2023).
Urbanization annoyance: heavy traffic
With Melbourne's rapid urbanization, traffic congestion has become a major challenge for the city. The rapidly growing population has led to a sharp increase in the demand for roads and public transport. Every day, countless cars, buses and trams weave through the streets of the city, especially during rush hours, often bringing traffic to a standstill. This not only consumes citizens' time and energy, but also increases air pollution and carbon emissions. In order to deal with this problem, the Melbourne government has taken a series of measures, such as the construction of a new metro line. Despite some achievements, traffic congestion remains an unsolved problem (Clayton, 28 October, 2023).
Urbanization annoyance: garbage pollution
In addition to population growth and traffic congestion, Melbourne is facing another urbanization problem - garbage pollution. A large number of construction activities and population growth have brought about a sharp increase in waste, including construction waste, daily household waste and industrial waste. This waste is often discarded carelessly, which not only takes up valuable land resources, but also pollutes the soil, water and air. The Melbourne government and community have recognized the scale of the problem and are taking action such as promoting recycling, reducing waste generation and raising public awareness in the hope of achieving a greener, more sustainable future （Yarra River, 28 October, 2023).
In addition to population growth and traffic congestion, Melbourne is facing another urbanization problem - garbage pollution. A large number of construction activities and population growth have brought about a sharp increase in waste, including construction waste, daily household waste and industrial waste. This waste is often discarded carelessly, which not only takes up valuable land resources, but also pollutes the soil, water and air. The Melbourne government and community have recognized the scale of the problem and are taking action such as promoting recycling, reducing waste generation and raising public awareness in the hope of achieving a greener, more sustainable future （Yarra River, 28 October, 2023).
Cities are not just our homes
Melbourne is not only the home of human beings, but also the habitat of countless small animals. Between the tall buildings in this city, on the green space of the park, and even on the corner of the street, there are all kinds of small animals living in harmony with us. However, with the advance of urbanization, the living environment of these animals is under threat. Many natural habitats have been converted to building land, causing animals to lose their homes. As students living in Melbourne, we not only enjoy the convenience brought by the construction of the city, but also have the responsibility to ensure that these silent partners can live safely. We need to take measures, such as protecting green Spaces, reducing pollution, etc., to ensure that small animals have a good home (Yarra river, 28 October, 2023).
