- Typology of urban Regions: configuration, internal dynamics, external influences and global perspectives    click here to open paper content1103 kb
by    Twitchett, Bill | tecri@nordnet.fr   click here to send an email to the auther(s) of this paper
Short Outline
This paper intends to make a contribution to the global inventory of urban regions, particularly concerning configuration and its consequences on management, on growth potential and on quality of life of the inhabitants. Questions of origins, changes of scale, criteria for definitions, desirable adjustments and new perspectives are addressed.
Abstract
Typology of urban regions :
external influences, internal dynamics
and global perspectives


Origins. Referring to several concrete examples, we can observe the motivations for the foundation of human settlements, as well as the essentiel characteristics of configuration and role that have been carried through to the present day. The significance of such places is appreciated, with attempts to measure the consequences of their existence when responding to the need to provide for essential new functions that had been unforseeable in the initial stages of development.

The change of scale of the more successful cities is taken into account and the ease of adaptation to new requirements appearing through time is appreciated.

Criteria. This is followed by the setting out of criteria for the development of convivial urban regions for our time. This chapter is the development of a theme presented by the author at the 2003 congress, taking into account sustainable quality of life and also the degree of participative governance attained.

Typology. A systematic approach is made to the typology of urban regions in relation to their environs. Desirable adjustments to the regional patterns of life are identified and assessment is made of the possibilities of their materialisation within applied policies of management. Reference is made to the degree of responsability of public authorities in relation to private initiatives.

Conclusion. It is intended to conclude the paper with an appreciation of new perspectives for the development of manageable urban regions in various parts of the world.
Keywords
typology, urban, convivial, refion,criteria,
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