New urban centers: definition, typologies and consolidation

Abstract

Objective

New urban centers are dynamic places which contribute in the decentralization of traditional centers, and in many instances, are paramount in the marketing and identity processes of a city, mainly when cities are able to reach beyond national and international fields because of their environmental approach, architecture, volumetrics, functionality, ability to attract or create Jobs, among other aspects. The main goal of the current article is to establish the typologies of new urban centers in the city of Monteria, Colombia taking as a reference the six aspects mentioned above.

Methodology

The defined universe for this study is made up by the new urban centers identified in the city of Monteria. The study is based on an analytical-descriptive method since locations are analyzed and then describe both separately and collectively. Techniques used in the study are either documentary such as the revision of the city’s land ordinance plan as well as of web publications or in-site such as participant observation and interviews.

Conclusions

The most representative centers do not only offer commercial, entertainment, banking, technological, transportation and educational activities, but also they do extend their activity range to municipality or state level activities that were traditionally linked to downtown areas since the 1900’s such as taxation or  notary public, among others.

Originality

Even though this topic has been under study in Colombia since 1992, it is a fact that Montería and the Caribbean Region have been scarcely researched and there is no evidence of similar Works which makes this article a pioneer in the study field.