URBAN SHRINKAGE AND URBAN SPRAWL IN VENETO REGION: AN EXPLORATION OF THE CAUSE-EFFECT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO PHENOMENA

Shrinking cities are widespread in several countries of Europe despite the rapidly increasing global urban population. Literature on shrinking cities has mainly focused on the examination of such phenomena, seeking to advance suitable strategies and revitalized solutions. Though the two concepts of "shrinkage" and "sustainability" may appear to be inconsistent and difficult to match, the recent perception of sustainable urban development has been applied for shrinking cities. Shrinking cities follow different dynamics than those of growing cities; however, these cities should attempt to follow sustainable trajectories with the purpose to advance the health and well-being of urban inhabitants, to build their capacity to adapt to altering conditions and to cope with major events. The need to better research and plan for the future of shrinking cities towards a greater sustainable development is therefore required. The present work explores Veneto region (northern Italy) in which the characters of sprawl and shrinkage coexist. Recognizing challenges and trying to outline which complications and opportunities can emerge in these contexts are essential for developing a sustainable perspective of shrinkage. Furthermore, also spatial planning in shrinking cities must offer different development scenarios, ensuring a consistent sustainable urban growth in the short and long term.