The Other Horizontal Metropolis

Book chapter (2018)

Authors

N. Katsikis University of Luxembourg

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Operational Landscapes Horizontal Metropolis Contemporary Urbanization Dense Agglomerates Agglomeration Zone

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Published Date

2018

Language

English

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Abstract

This essay aims to challenge the definition of the Horizontal Metropolis. It starts with an understanding of urbanization as a process of generalized geographical organization, where variegated forms of agglomerations (from the city to the metropolis and the various forms of post-metropolitan urbanization patterns) are only the focal points in the utilization of the whole earth by humans. The essay will try to investigate how the global system of agglomerations, although occupying no more than 5% of the planetary terrain, is responsible for the (re)organization of most of the 70% of the earth’s surface currently used by humankind. By introducing the concept of the ‘operational landscapes’, as the total system of specialized areas used for primary production, circulation and waste disposal, upon which dense agglomerations, or ‘agglomeration landscapes’, are dependent for their subsistence, the aim of this contribution is to reframe the dimensions of contemporary urbanization beyond agglomeration, and explore novel concepts, spatial categories and cartographies. Where does the horizontal metropolis end?