FORMING MECHANISM AND SPATIAL STRUCTURE RESEARCH IN WENZHOU METROPOLITAN AREA
XU Hai-xian1, GU Chao-lin2
1. Jiangsu Institute of Urban & Rural Planning and Design, Nanjing 210093, China;
2. Department of Urban and Resources Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
Abstract Metropolitan area is a developed urbanized region; it includes core city and the outer edges, which has very close economic, social, and cultural relationships with the core city. Case example of metropolitan planning used in Wenzhou to study on metropolitan area spatial structure planning, the authors proposed the spatial structure of Wenzhou metropolitan area in the near future and at a specified future date. At first, the authors analyzed the spatial differentiation of regional development in Wenzhou region. Having instigated the passenger and material flows between Wenzhou core city and its surroundings, the authors delimitate the Wenzhou Metropolitan area. The core city is the Wenzhou downtown; the Wenzhou metropolitan area should include all the urbanized areas along the sea of Wenzhou regions. Second, based on delimitating the Wenzhou metropolitan area, this paper put forward the forming mechanism of Wenzhou metropolitan area. In Wenzhou, the center city is still in the stage of agglomeration. The forming mechanism of Wenzhou metropolitan area includes policy mechanism, developed market system, industrialization pattern, social network and the spirit of Wenzhou people. Third, the present pattern of development in Wenzhou might be least sustainable. Spatial structure is the key to sustainability. It is necessary for carrying out Wenzhou metropolitan area spatial structure planning. The plan will minimize land sprawl and concentrate urban development in the central city and in a number of large scale satellite town. The sub center will be separated by open space and formland, but it could be linkage by the metropolitan transportation system. Finally, the author advice carrying out metropolitan area planning in our country. The core objectives of Wenzhou metropolitan area planning are balancing the metropolitan spatial structure, improving the quality of life in urban area, strenthen the competing ability of Wenzhou city in our country, even in the world.
2002, Vol. 17 
