Archaeology and Contemporary Dynamics for More Sustainable, Resilient Cities in the Peri-Urban Interface

David Simon, Andrew Adam-Bradford

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Understanding of urban fringes or peri-urban interfaces (PUIs) as zones characterised by rapid transitional change and sprawling urbanisation has increased markedly over recent years. Archaeological evidence also illustrates the pivotal role that peri-urban zones once played in the survivability of ancient urban centres. Over the last three decades, urban growth and associated transitional changes have accelerated in most regions, producing major challenges to the development of resilient cities capable of absorbing climatic, economic and environmental shocks. Globalised processes of industrialisation and market interdependence have remoulded urban fringes, bringing increased environmental impacts, including the loss of natural resources and environmental buffers now recognised as essential for urban resilience. Furthermore, ongoing global environmental change (GEC) and increasing socio-economic inequality are generating new priorities as peri-urban zones consolidate, erode and shift outwards. Given the inadequacies of existing frameworks, we advocate a hybrid approach to PUI planning and design that draws on integrated, agropolitan-type perspectives embedded within a resilient, locally appropriate regional-urban focus within broader socio-spatial and geo-economic systems. Diverse historical and contemporary examples inform the discussion of the PUI planning and design and the identification of policy recommendations for a hybrid planning approach based on adaptation capacity and resilience.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBalanced Urban Development
Subtitle of host publicationOptions and Strategies for Liveable Cities
EditorsBasant Maheshwari, Vijay Singh, Bhadranie Thoradeniya
PublisherSpringer
Chapter5
Pages57-83
Number of pages27
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-319-28112-4
ISBN (Print)978-3-319-28110-0
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 30 Aug 2016

Publication series

NameWater Science and Technology Library
PublisherSpringer Open
Volume72

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