Belhaven World Cities S.
1 total work
Randstaad literally means "ring city" and this text describes this unique urban system of Holland; the unified urban system that encloses Rotterdam as a port and Amsterdam as a cultural centre. The authors introduce the "National city" in the post-industrial era and its characteristics, patterns and problems involved in the development stages of policy making. By considering the management of Randstaad, the costs and benefits of this unified urban system are explained. The benefits of a structural change include new jobs and adaptation of the built environment, whereas the costs focus on the social frictions and dysfunctions as a consequence of the transition. With the inventory of costs and benefits established, the planning framework of Randstaad is considered. The role of this unique multi-centered city for the Netherlands and the world in the 21st century is then examined.