Centrality issues and the urban footprint identity of Greek small-medium sized cities

Abstract

The Greek small-medium sized cities, usually expand around a central urban core, based on two alternative frameworks: the controlled spatial containment using urban planning methods versus the out of the masterplan development. In this aspect, the analysis of urban forms for case studies such as Alexandroupolis, Komotini, Lamia, Karditsa and Kavala, with theoretical urban expansion approaches, could lead to the formulation of their real urban footprints. A gradual central/ concentric extension of land uses and urban form is followed, even in the cases where the linear trends are intense, mainly along the most developed road axes, or for reasons of adjustment to  the landscape. In addition, the use of more specific indicators, like central place intensity and restraint, revealed that the level of their centrality is directly affected by the number of services. Especially In Kavala’s study, there are higher prices and deviations compared to the other cases. However, in all cities of interest, in timeless manner, it was found that the degree and the intensity of their centrality, restricts the alternative options of urban footprints growth, following polycentric or decentralized  concentration models. Finally, it is identified that high values of these indicators, could  create important central place resilience.