Planning for Polycentricity in European Metropolitan Areas-Challenges, Expectations and Practices

This paper discusses current challenges, expectations and practices related to an increasingly applied normative concept, namely that of planning to become (or to maintain) a 'polycentric' metropolitan area. Based on findings provided by a group of spatial planners from 12 metropolitan areas across Europe, the concept of polycentricity is explored along three thematic strands. The paper draws particular attention to the major rationales articulated by practitioners; efforts to set in motion an in-depth debate within an international group; and planners' experiences with regard to the concept's applicability.