Analysing the space-time dynamics of urban structure change using employment density and distribution data. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moghadam, Alireza Salahi; Soltani, Ali; Parolin, Bruno; Alidadi, Mehdi
• Is Part Of: Cities. Volume 81(2018)
• Page Start: 203
• Page End: 213
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Urban structure modelling -- Employment density -- Spatial autocorrelation -- Decentralization -- GIS, Sydney; City planning -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Periodicals; 711.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2018.04.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-2751

Abstract

Abstract: The main objective of this paper was to examine patterns of growth and change in Sydney over the time period from 1981 to 2006. To achieve this aim, the paper took employment density as a structural dimension, and modelled the linear and interactive effects of this dimension in order to better understand the dynamics of urban spatial structure change in the Sydney metropolitan area. The estimation of the traditional negative exponential models of mono-centricity and poly-centricity indicated a polycentric pattern at the beginning and end of the study period. Employment density distributions, suggest a system of polycentric nodes of varying importance between 1981 and 2006. The legacy of this paper for the planning community is the importance of developing an evidence base, and application of concepts and advanced spatial techniques for urban spatial structure analysis. Highlights: Sydney had a polycentric structure at the beginning and end of the over the 25 year study period. Employment density was clustered at relatively high levels over the study period, and high density areas were found across the metropolitan area – interspersed with low and medium density employment density. The concentrations of employment in the core areas over the study period have reinforced the role of the CBD and inner areas to a level never before experienced in the urban history of this city. The key polycentric nodes outside the CBD only exert a minor influence on the employment surface of the Sydney metropolitan area. Distance from the CBD, remains a key influence on how employment has been structured in the metropolitan area, but there are other metrics that also affect this distribution.