Forms of metropolitan region spatial organization and formation mechanism based on intercity functional linkages

• Published in: Zi yuan ke xue Vol. 47; no. 2; pp. 225 - 237
• Main Authors: Xinyi, NIU, Sihan, LIU, Yufeng, YUE, Yao, WANG
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese; English
• Published: Science Press, PR China 01.02.2025
• Subjects: metropolitan region|intercity functional linkages|spatial organization|space of flow|human element flows|intercity rapid transportation system|shanghai
• ISSN: 1007-7588
• DOI: 10.18402/resci.2025.02.01

[Objective] Understanding the spatial organization forms of metropolitan regions is fundamental for promoting their development and formulating spatial planning strategies. This study aimed to shed light on the spatial organization forms of metropolitan regions and explore the underlay mechanism by focusing on intercity functional linkages of human element flows. [Methods] Based on the “space of flow” represented by intercity functional linkages of human element flows, a theoretical framework of analysis was developed to analyze the spatial organization forms of metropolitan regions and mechanism. Using the Shanghai Metropolitan Region as a case study, this study employed spatiotemporal big data and traffic isochrons to identify the spatial and temporal characteristics associated with the destinations of intercity functional linkages driven by human element flows. [Results] (1) Metropolitan regions are functional regions shaped by the intercity functional linkages. These linkages dominate the spatial organization of metropolitan regions. (2) The intercity functional linkages of human element flows are spatially associated with the unique urban functions of core cities, while its temporal constraints require support from intercity rapid transportation systems. (3) Under the dominance of intercity functional linkages, the spatial organization of metropolitan regions manifests as “circles + chains”, resulting from the spatial-temporal compression and pipeline effects of the rapid transportation system, as well as the spatiotemporal characteristics of intercity functional linkages. [Conclusion] The “circles + chains” spatial organization form emerged from the reshaping of metropolitan region spatial organization by the “space of flow” represented by intercity functional linkages. Therefore, the spatial planning strategies of the metropolitan region should construct a system of the “space of flow” for supporting intercity functional linkages.