Polycentricity and the Multiplexity of Urban Networks
- 20 February 2013
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Informa UK Limited in European Planning Studies
- Vol. 22 (4), 816-840
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2013.771619
Abstract
Empirical studies on polycentric urban regions (PURs) tend to analyse their spatial organization by examining only one type of functional linkage between cities. However, it has generally been accepted that urban networks are multiplex phenomena and that spatial interactions between cities can take many different forms, for example, commuting, shopping trips, and inter-firm trade. The spatial organization of each of these functional linkages is not necessarily identical, and, therefore, a region can appear to be polycentric and spatially integrated based on the analysis of one type of functional linkage but monocentric and loosely connected based on the analysis of another type of functional linkage. The aim of this paper is to stimulate further discussion on the multiplexity of urban networks with regard to the relational complexity of urban regions. Focusing on one PUR (Randstad Holland), we compare the geographical scope and spatial structure of different functional networks within it. Our results indicate that the spatial organization of the urban network depends on the lens through which it is assessed.Keywords
This publication has 46 references indexed in Scilit:
- Form Follows Function? Linking Morphological and Functional PolycentricityUrban Studies, 2011
- Heterogeneous development of metropolitan spatial structure: Evidence from commuting patterns in English and Welsh city-regions, 1981–2001Cities, 2011
- DELINEATING METROPOLITAN AREAS USING LAND PRICES*Journal of Regional Science, 2008
- Strategic (Spatial) Planning ReexaminedEnvironment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 2004
- EUROPEAN BRIEFING: Polycentricity in European spatial planning: from an analytical tool to a normative agendaEuropean Planning Studies, 2003
- Strategic Spatial Planning and Regional Governance in EuropeJournal of the American Planning Association, 2003
- How to Proceed from Image and Discourse to Action: As Applied to the Flemish DiamondUrban Studies, 2001
- A Changing Demographic Regime and Evolving Poly centric Urban Regions: Consequences for the Size, Composition and Distribution of City PopulationsUrban Studies, 2001
- Central Scotland as a Polycentric Urban Region: Useful Planning Concept or Chimera?Urban Studies, 2001
- THE DELIMITATION OF FUNCTIONAL REGIONS, NODAL REGIONS, AND HIERARCHIES BY FUNCTIONAL DISTANCE APPROACHES*Journal of Regional Science, 1971