Distribution and Perception of Urban Shrinkage across Europe

2. Process and perception of shrinkage
The process of shrinkage
Economic transformation leads to unemployment
- followed by out-migration on a regional scale
Shrinkage leads to losses of population in certain areas
(urban cores, rural areas, specific sites…)
Problems: derelict sites, vacancies and abandoned
quarters
Social consequences: exclusion, poverty, homelessness
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2. Process and perception of shrinkage
Strategies to cope with shrinkage depending on the perception of shrinkage
Perceptions of shrinkage
Phase of ignoring
Decline as vicious
circle
Without goals
Hope for regional
planning or financial
support
Passive strategies
Expansive
strategy
Observation
without
acceptance
Certain
acceptance
with/ without
public
communication
Maintenance strategy
Keep population Maintain attractiveness and
within city borders spatial structure
Substantial
expansion of
residential areas
Development of existing
land use, target groups
programmes
Active strategies
Sources: Own design based on Farke 2005, Danielzyk 2002
Acceptance
Planning for decline
Orderly shrinkage,
development of
qualities
Adaption/ reduction
of infrastructure,
development of
recreational areas
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