Urban Transformations: Centres, Peripheries and Systems

摘要

The definition and interpretation of what is considered "urban" is in constant flux. Debates regarding the precise terminology of places have resulted in continuously changing typologies that reflect the complexity of cities and their hinterland. Urban Transformations: Centres, Peripheries and Systems, a collection of discrete chapters by members of the International Geographical Union Urban Commission, explores the relationship between core and peripheral areas at a range of historical, spatial and conceptual scales.The goal of the book, as articulated by editor Daniel P. O'Donoghue, is to provide students with "real exposure to, and understanding of, the evolving form and function of cities and their associated peripheral regions as well as their impact on modern twenty-first century landscapes." As a collection of essays, the book presents varied and interesting case studies, however, as an educational resource the book is hindered by awkward organization and the dissimilarity cases. The wide temporal and geographic range covered in the book, coupled with extensive context-dependent details within each chapter, makes it difficult to grasp the broader understanding that the editor seeks.