Processes Reshaping the Spatial Structure

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to explain and synthesize the on-going processes that work towards a restructuring of the prevailing spatial structure. The basic thesis is that the result of the interplay between these processes leads to the emergence of intermediate regions, with specific characteristics distinct from both the central and the more peripheral regions. Most future-oriented regional studies seem to focus on either core or peripheral regions. Therefore, it is a challenging task for us to argue that in many developed countries, regions between highly urbanized regions at the one hand side and peripheral regions at the other, are facing a new situation in the 1990s. This is due to a number of factors; general economic development, localisation shifts of private enterprise, new household preferences, new technology and the impact of public policy. These factors induce changes in the function of such regions, partly as a consequence of new actors making demands on the territory. Functions are described in terms of goods and services production, residential and recreational assets.