Basic Urban Dynamics

Basic Urban Dynamics

Urban dynamics try to evaluate the main components initiating or being affected by changes in an urban area. Among the numerous factors impacting urban dynamics, transportation is of high significance. It is often expected that investments in transportation will have positive economic consequences that may involve a feedback mechanism resulting in additional future transport investments. Transport investments are expected to improve the mobility of passengers and freight, which in turn will improve the overall performance of a regional economy. Even if strong linkages can be identified between transportation improvements and economic (and spatial) changes, stating a causality is conceptually inaccurate. New terminals, modes, and infrastructures do not necessarily result in economic growth, clustering, productivity gains, employment, and additional investments in related sectors. For this reason alone, understanding urban dynamics remains a complex and uncertain task.