Polycentric, Functional Urban Areas (FUAs) and Territorial Dynamics: An exploratory study from the region of Vale do Rio Pardo - RS - Brazil

Abstract

This article discusses the methodological and analytical potential of the concept of functional urban areas (FUAS) for urban and regional studies, notably in relation to its use for the analysis and interpretation of territorial dynamics in regional contexts. Revises the concepts of polycentrism and urban functional areas and its application in the analysis of territorial dynamics at the regional scale. Based on exploratory study in Rio Pardo Valley region in the state of Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil, identifies the existing functional urban areas in the regional territory is characterized and analyzed by interpreting their spatial configuration, its main flows and socio-spatial interactions between the towns of the region, resulting from commuting to work and study. Note the formation of two Fuas: the Santa Cruz do Sul and Venâncio Aires, showing an incipient and uneven polycentric content in regional territory through the orientation and intensity of commuting, which shows the influence of the city of Santa Cruz do South, territorial dynamics and regional urban network.