Title: Spatial impacts of megaprojects on the form of metropolitan regions: a theoretical inquiry

Authors: David C. Prosperi; Asli Ceylan Oner

Addresses: Deceased; formerly of: School of Urban and Regional Planning, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, SO 284 Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA ' Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Architecture, İzmir University of Economics, Sakarya cad. No: 156 35330, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey

Abstract: Megaprojects are large scale, mostly public, interventions into the spatial structure of metropolitan regions. This paper develops a theoretical framework and an evaluative rubric to consider the impacts of megaprojects on metropolitan form. The theoretical framework relies on complexity and systems thinking applied to metropolitan regions including the necessity of a multiscalar approach. The evaluative rubric relies on criteria and benchmarks about the level of attributes within metropolitan regions. The theoretical framework and evaluative rubric are illustrated in two examples - planning and implementing the 2011 Pan-American games in Guadalajara, Mexico and the longer term planning policies of decentralising employment and population in the global city of Istanbul, Turkey. The paper concludes with an estimation of spatial impacts in both locations, but also includes discussion about knowledge levels of metropolitan dynamics, the difference between 'intended' and 'actual' outcomes, the role of planning systems, the bravura or hype of such projects, and the rather narrow bracketing of concerns in the promotion and development of megaprojects.

Keywords: megaprojects; metropolitan form; complexity theory; 2011 Pan-American Games; Guadalajara; Mexico; urban planning; decentralisation; Istanbul; Turkey; spatial impact; metropolitan regions; systems thinking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSS.2015.068025

International Journal of Society Systems Science, 2015 Vol.7 No.1, pp.23 - 46

Published online: 14 Mar 2015 *

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