A comparative analysis of the recent urban expansion in six large regions of southern Europe (Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Naples and Athens) is presented in this paper, with the aim of assessing the magnitude of the shift from 'dense growth' towards 'diffusion'. The investigated cities were chosen as paradigmatic examples of compact and mono-centric cities in transition towards a polycentric form. A Multiway Factor Analysis (MFA) supplemented with descriptive statistics and correlation analysis of more than 30 morphological and demographic indicators covering the period from 1950 to 2000 was undertaken to define the demographic trajectory of the six cities. Different trends in urban expansion were identified and the six cities classified accordingly. Results indicate that 'concentration' and 'diffusion' long-term dynamics diverged in the examined regions, suggesting that there is not a common 'Mediterranean' style in recent urban expansion. In contrast, urban trajectories mainly depend on the specific demographic phase (growth vs. decline) and the 'densification vs. depopulation' pattern observed at local scale. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
From compactness to what? Long-term population trends in six large Mediterranean cities
Salvati L.
2013-01-01
Abstract
A comparative analysis of the recent urban expansion in six large regions of southern Europe (Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Naples and Athens) is presented in this paper, with the aim of assessing the magnitude of the shift from 'dense growth' towards 'diffusion'. The investigated cities were chosen as paradigmatic examples of compact and mono-centric cities in transition towards a polycentric form. A Multiway Factor Analysis (MFA) supplemented with descriptive statistics and correlation analysis of more than 30 morphological and demographic indicators covering the period from 1950 to 2000 was undertaken to define the demographic trajectory of the six cities. Different trends in urban expansion were identified and the six cities classified accordingly. Results indicate that 'concentration' and 'diffusion' long-term dynamics diverged in the examined regions, suggesting that there is not a common 'Mediterranean' style in recent urban expansion. In contrast, urban trajectories mainly depend on the specific demographic phase (growth vs. decline) and the 'densification vs. depopulation' pattern observed at local scale. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
