Breaking with the spatial-cycle model

the shift towards ‘syncurbanization’ in polycentric urban regions

Journal article (2021)

Authors

Alois Humer University of Vienna
Rodrigo Viseu Cardoso Spatial Planning and Strategy - Architecture and the Built Environment
E.J. Meijers Universiteit Utrecht
Research Group
Spatial Planning and Strategy (Architecture and the Built Environment) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 Alois Humer, Rodrigo Viseu Cardoso, E.J. Meijers
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2021.1969008
Polycentricity Demography Van den berg Monocentricity Polyhinterland Population change
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Department

Urbanism

Research Group

Spatial Planning and Strategy

Abstract

This paper criticizes traditional models of urban–regional expansion, which depart from monocentric ideals of urban core and ring. The original spatial-cycle model (SCM) suggests repeating stages of urbanization, suburbanization, disurbanization and re-urbanization. We reconceptualize the relations between core(s) and ring(s) to test the formation of urban regions under mono-, multi- and polycentric trajectories. The analysis employs local population data in functional urban regions in Finland, Austria and the Netherlands, three countries with different urbanization patterns, for the period 1961–2011. Results suggest a ‘break of the cycle’ in polycentric regions and a shift towards a different period, which we call ‘syncurbanization’.