Final answer:
Historic urban functions that are now obsolete originated from the need for trade, defense, and resource proximity. Transportation advancements and societal changes have made some of these functions unnecessary, altering the role of city centers and affecting the economy, culture, and social fabric of urban areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the historic and urban functions of a city that are now considered obsolete. In the past, cities were developed based on local needs and available resources, which led to the centralization of certain activities such as banking, shopping, and living quarters in close proximity to industrial areas and ports due to walking being the primary mode of transportation. As cities industrialized, they were built with consideration for trade, defense, and the production of goods, with many evolving from trading posts or market towns.
However, as transportation modes and societal needs have changed, some of these historic functions of cities are no longer essential. For example, the need for physical proximity has decreased due to advancements in transportation and technology, making some urban functions like dense, centralized marketplaces less necessary. Additionally, the way cities like Los Angeles and Atlanta have developed—with spread-out urban areas and reliance on cars rather than public transportation—reflects a shift away from the need for fortified city centers.
These changes have implications for the daily lives of urban residents and impact the economy, as well as the cultural and social identity of cities. Some cities attempt to capitalize on their historic urban qualities by branding themselves as historic, though this is not always successful. Understanding the evolution and contemporary functions of urban areas is crucial to grasping modern societies.