Speaker
Description
The present research investigates the relationship between transport acceleration projects and growth-based development strategies and subsequently compares these with the emergence of opposing trends in the possibility of post-growth urbanism.
The rhetoric surrounding the effects of infrastructure on territorial development has long been a subject of debate among scholars (Plassard, 1990; Barrè, 1997;). Despite scholars repeatedly clarifying that there is no direct correlation between infrastructure and its structuring effects (Plassard, 1990), political decisions have nevertheless defined strategic development projects through an infrastructure-based approach (Offner, 1993; Givoni, 2006).
Over time, infrastructure policies have shifted their focus from the introduction of new infrastructure to the reduction of distances and travel times. This transition can be understood as part of a broader phenomenon of transport acceleration, which is itself part of a larger current that also encompasses a social dimension (Rosa, 2015). It gave rises to an imaginary in which the ever-increasing speed is associated with an idea of progress (Tomlinson, 2007). Acceleration of transport led to a hierarchisation and polarisation of space (Battiau, 1998; Mazzeo, 2012). This resulted in a 'dualised' territory (Ollivro, 2000), where the primary economic activities are concentrated near the poles and points of access to the network (Monzón et al, 2013).
In Italy, the development of a ‘dualised’ territory has resulted in the affirmation of marginalised areas. These areas have been the focus of some strategies aimed at reducing the gaps with the central poles, which have also involved infrastructure projects (UVAL, 2014). The overarching objective of these initiatives was to stimulate economic development by facilitating faster connections with primary metropolitan hubs. In order to ascertain the efficacy of these projects, it is essential to consider existing research that has identified a common thread in the affirmation of non-mechanical cause and effect relationships, emphasising the need to consider the context, pre-existing dynamics and in-place strategies (Offner, 1994; Barré, 1997).
The primary objective of the research is to investigate the consequences of accelerating infrastructure projects, analysing the relationship with other levels of planning and growth-based strategies. In addition, the possibility for post-growth territorial development are investigated.
The case study that has been identified pertains to the southern Salento area. In this context, the phenomenon of transport acceleration was expressed through projects aimed at extending the road section of existing infrastructures. The topography of South Salento is characterised by a considerable distance from the primary hubs of service provision. In this area, an extension of an existing road, which runs north-south through the territory, has been planned. Over time, the infrastructure area has experienced contrasting trends. On the one hand, there has been a development of commercial and productive activities, with the road regarded as a strategic axis for the development of the territory. Conversely, there has been a propensity to preserve and enhance the distinctive characteristics of the landscape through the development of slow mobility practices, a different imaginary based on slowness and de-growth. This necessitates an investigation into the potential scenarios that might emerge in the wake of the road transformation project.
In the first the research analyses the relationship between the project, pre-existing trends, and the strategies. This component aimed to predict the effects at an urban planning level. A second part of the study involved the confrontation of alternative trends with the definition of the margins within which a de-growth spatial development could take place.
The results of the study indicated concrete possibilities for the development of an alternative territorial vision; however, the study concluded that a major role is played by local actors.
References
- Barré, A. (1997). Le réseau autoroutie français : un outil rapidement valorisé, des effets controversés». Annales de Géographie.
- Battiau, M. (1998). Transport et aménagement du territoire. Essai d’élaboration d’un schéma d’analyse des effets spatiaux des améliorations des systèmes de transport. Hommes et Terres Du Nord, 4(1).
- Givoni, M. (2006). Development and impact of the modern high-speed train: A review. In Transport Reviews (Vol. 26, Issue 5).
- Mazzeo, G. (2012). Impact of high speed trains on the hierarchy of European cities. Jahrbuch Fur Regionalwissenschaft, 32(2).
- Monzón, A., Ortega, E., & López, E. (2013). Efficiency and spatial equity impacts of high-speed rail extensions in urban areas. Cities, 30(1).
- Offner, J. M. (1993). Les "effets structurants’ du transport: mythe politique, mystification scientifique. Espace Geographique, 22(3).
- Ollivro J. (2000). L’homme à toutes Vitesse. De la lenteur homogène à la rapidité différenciée, Presses universitaires de Rennes: Rennes
- Plassard F. (1990). Axes autoroutiers et développement des régions. Les Cahiers Scientifiques du Transport 22, 81- 98.
- Uval (2014). A strategy for Inner Areas in Italy: definition, objectives, tools and governance, Issue 31.
- Tomlinson, J. (2012). The Culture of Speed: The Coming of Immediacy. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446212738
| Keywords | Transport acceleration; Post-growth urbanism; Infrastructure-land use relationship; |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
