Marull J.; Farré M.; Boix R. et al. 2019. “Modelling urban networks sustainable progress”. Land Use Policy. 

Abstract

In this paper, we analyse the relations between thermodynamics and city networks: an increase in the complexity and the organized information in such urban systems leads to less demand for resources and less social entropy, which overall makes them more efficient and stable. The goal of this study is to propose a method to measuring city networks sustainable progress based on statistical models, derived from Eurostat databases and NASA satellite images, and capable of analyzing different conceptual scenarios of urban development in Europe. The obtained probability-based indices enable us to evaluate the dynamics of city networks in terms of three components of sustainable progress – economic activity, social cohesion and urban ecology – and help us understand the properties that a regional and megaregional economy must possess in order to optimize the inclusive development of the urban system. The results have implications for pro-active policies, and for urban and territorial planning at supra-local level.