The question of scale
The very definition of periphery is scale dependent. It depends on the scale at which the centre is a centre.
A hundred years ago in geography, Walter Christaller (1933) developed a Central Place Theory: a theory of the distribution, functions and spacing of urban centres within a given territory. According to this theory, centre are defined by the size (in terms of population), which determines the types of functions and their ranges: a small centre will serve a local population and offer a small number of services whereas a large centre will serve a wider area and hinterland. The periphery of the large centre is thus more central than the periphery of the small centre.
Christaller W (1933) Die Centralen Orte in Suddeutschland/The Central Places in the South of Germany. Jena: Gustav Fischer.
Lost & Found Urbanities
Master Urbanism – Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment – TU Delft
Lost & Found Urbanities 