Beyond Metropolis; The Planning and Governance of Asia’s Mega-Urban Regions

THIS VOLUME IS primarily concerned with the role played by planning and governance in the development of mega-urban regions in Asia. It builds on research conducted during the 1990s under the auspices of the Centre for Human Settlements at the University of British Columbia, to carry out an in-depth study of the “extended metropolitan regions” surrounding the 12 cities in Asia with populations over 10 million – Tokyo, Mumbai, Kolkata, Dhaka, Delhi, Shanghai, Jakarta, Osaka, Beijing, Karachi, Metro Manila and Seoul – and their central role in the economic and social development of their country and region. It seeks to identify common characteristics and particularities in the demographic, economic, social and political growth patterns of these areas, to help explain what their primary concerns are, and what policy makers, administrators and civil society groups do – or can do – to deal effectively with those concerns.

The book is composed of ten chapters. Chapter 1 identifies the various types of mega-regions and analyzes the historical, economic, political and social factors that played specific roles in their emergence. It then explains the importance of comprehensive planning and area-wide governance both in making mega-urban regions liveable and sustainable as well as in enhancing economic and social development at the regional and national level. Chapter 2 describes the various approaches to the planning of mega-urban regions, and how planning concepts and practices have been influenced by historical and cultural events. It also covers the role of infrastructure and the process of integrating transportation, water, sewerage, energy supply and solid waste management in the development of regions. Chapter 3 deals with the theme of governance. It analyzes the different instruments and mechanisms that have been put in place to implement policies and programmes in mega-urban regions, considers governmental functions, and assesses various types of regional governance structures. The case is made for the establishment of governance mechanisms that encompass whole mega-urban regions and ensure both an efficient delivery of urban services and public participation in governmental decision-making. Chapter 4 is concerned with the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability as a concept, and how these relate to the growth and development of mega-urban regions. It argues that government, the private sector and civil society may pursue some policies and programmes that may help to improve city-regions’ sustainability. Chapter 5 looks into the planning and management of water resources as one of the key elements in the development of mega-urban regions. It describes the problems linked to water shortage, pollution and over-dependence on groundwater sources, and proposes both technical solutions and planning and management mechanisms to deal with these issues. Chapter 6 focuses on how transportation can be planned and managed to enhance economic and social development in mega-urban regions. It studies the impacts of various transport modes and concludes that presently, Asian mega-urban regions will probably benefit the most from mass transit systems. Chapter 7 examines inner-city development in Asian mega-urban regions through programmes such as community upgrading, housing, historical conservation, and urban design for both regional and national development reasons. Chapter 8 turns to the urban periphery, and considers the advantages and disadvantages of programmes that include the development of small towns, satellite cities, high-technology parks and special economic zones. Chapter 9 takes an in-depth look at policies that seek to integrate the urban poor in planning and governance through housing and basic urban services programmes. On the basis of an historical analysis, Chapter 10 concludes on the possible future for Asia’s urban regions, the implications of decentralization, the role of technology, the possible s