Breaking with the spatial-cycle model: the shift towards ‘syncurbanization’ in polycentric urban regions

This paper criticizes traditional models of urban–regional expansion, which depart from monocentric ideals urban core and ring. The original spatial-cycle model (SCM) suggests repeating stages urbanization, suburbanization, disurbanization re-urbanization. We reconceptualize the relations between core(s) ring(s) to test formation regions under mono-, multi- polycentric trajectories. analysis employs local population data in functional Finland, Austria Netherlands, three countries with different urbanization patterns, for period 1961–2011. Results suggest a ‘break cycle’ shift towards period, we call ‘syncurbanization’.