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Viewing urban spatial history from tall buildings

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  • Ahlfeldt, Gabriel M.
  • Barr, Jason

Abstract

Micro-geographic data capturing the spatial distribution of economic activity within cities in history are difficult to access. This paper discusses how tall and durable buildings can be exploited as a source of “big data” to trace the history of the spatial structure of cities. To this end, we provide stylized evidence on how building heights correlate with land values over space and time within cities, review the related nascent literature, and suggest future research areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahlfeldt, Gabriel M. & Barr, Jason, 2022. "Viewing urban spatial history from tall buildings," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:regeco:v:94:y:2022:i:c:s0166046220303033
    DOI: 10.1016/j.regsciurbeco.2020.103618
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    1. Hanlon, W.Walker & Heblich, Stephan, 2022. "History and urban economics," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Density; Economics; History; Skyscrapers; Urban;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R3 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location
    • N9 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History

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