Gradual Spatial Development of Town Expansion Schemes : A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

The main ideas of a more development orientated town· expansion strategy are to synchronize physical and socio-economic development processes, elaborate physical structures-open-to adapt future probable developments which are representend in scenario, and to reduce in a present situation according to limited resources the input for housing, transportation programmes etc., in order to achieve a maximum with a minimum of resources. Via development stages the present choosen measures are developed to a higher standard. Before discussing the conceptual framework it seems necessary to point out shortly the national and regional context of town expansion schemes. In the last few years the newly industrializing cot1,ntries have started to fortify their national development programmes in order to build up a more inner market orientated spatial structure and to overcome the weak points of export orientated structures mainly caused by colonial occupations. One important strategic element in this context are urbanization strategies. Based on different theoretical positions such as growth pole-, central-place- and corridor-development-theories, regional centres relief poles, medium and small centres up to rural service centres in the periphery are planned and in realization. At the same time some new industrializing countries started to built new capital cities or have already built them up. These urbanization strategies-which underline the relation between economic and hrbanization development should be integrated into comprehensive regional development programmes, so that the other important relation-town and regional planning-is taken into consideration. Without any doubt, the realization of these different strategies will contribute to reduce regional disparities, to use regional resources and to improve the working and living conditions for the population in the regions. Furthermore, is to be attended, that regional migration flows will be directed from the metropolitan areas to regional centres, so that the growth of the large metropolitan areas can be reduced. Development processes can become manageable and planable. Increasing social costs can be avoided.