Diversifying European agglomerations: evidence of urban population trends for the 21st century

TLDR

More than half of the world’s population now lives in cities, and in Europe over 70 % are urban, projected to rise to 84 % by 2050, yet many European cities are already experiencing a shift from growth to decline. The study examines urban population trends in 158 European agglomerations to assess the dynamics of growth or decline. The authors analyze 1991–2004 data for 158 agglomerations, using statistical methods to reveal diversifying trajectories in core and fringe areas, and critique the structural model’s applicability to current urban dynamics. The results contradict the cyclical urbanisation model, showing that the studied agglomerations exhibit no single developmental stage but rather a coexistence of intensifying suburbanisation and developing reurbanisation driven mainly by younger households. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract The beginning of the 21st century marks the first time in history that more than half of the world's population lives in urban areas. In Europe, more than 70% of the population lives in urban areas today. This number is likely to increase to 84% by 2050. However, a shift from growth to decline of urban population is already present for a growing number of cities. The paper examines urban population trends for 158 European agglomerations and assesses the dynamics behind one particular development of growth or decline. Using data from 1991 to 2004, we present statistical evidence of diversifying population trajectories for core cities and fringe areas. The quantitative results are contrasted with the widespread accepted cyclical urbanisation model that has been expounded as a theoretical approach to describe previous and future stages of European urban development. The structural approach of the model is discussed because we believe that such concepts do not reflect the dynamics of present urban development in Europe. The paper argues that the urban agglomerations studied do not show a single evolutionary stage of urban development. Rather, we found a coexistence of intensifying suburbanisation and developing reurbanisation, which is mainly driven by younger households. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.