Scaling laws and urban systems 1
Dénise Pumain
Abstract
This chapter is a provisional assessment of the contribution of urban scaling laws to the knowledge of urban dynamics. It compares the fundamental principles of scaling laws with theories of spatial and hierarchical organisation of systems of cities. It shows how alternative methods based on harmonised empirical data and sophisticated simulation models have advanced knowledge on the socio-economic trajectories of cities and the evolution of urban hierarchies. It concludes with the importance of opening up the field of urban studies to other disciplines and the importance of ensuring that new approaches are well integrated into existing knowledge. This step is essential to enable sound decision supports for the planning of urban future.