Final answer:
Compact areas face disadvantages such as traffic congestion, environmental pollution, overwhelmed public facilities, and potential increases in crime rates due to high population and business densities compromising quality of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disadvantage of compactness of an area, particularly in urban settings, primarily revolves around the idea of agglomeration diseconomies. When areas become too compact, they may experience a number of negative side effects such as traffic congestion, which can negate the benefits of geographical proximity by increasing travel times. Additionally, high densities of people, cars, and factories in compact areas can lead to increased garbage and pollution, resulting in environmental concerns. In such densely packed areas, public facilities like parks or museums may also become overcrowded, degrading the quality of life for residents.
Furthermore, higher crime rates may be fostered due to the impersonal nature of crowded cities, where the density of population and businesses can make it easier for both legal and illegal activities to thrive. Therefore, while compactness can lead to economies of scale and convenience, it can simultaneously lead to significant social, environmental, and economic challenges.