First, they examined the effects of the global political economy on the growth and development of cities over time. Using the 12 sites as case studies, the researchers outlined several levels of investigation to assemble a picture of what global city regions look like and why. a record of attempts by their governments to shape regional form, whether successful or not.distinct patterns of growth and change since 1960 and.

a diversified market economy, rather than a command economy or one dominated by a single industry.a large population, but not necessarily megacity stature.While each city offers unique characteristics and exceptions to certain patterns, they all meet the following measurable criteria: The consortium was organized by three research investigators-David Barkin, Gary Hack and Roger Simmonds-to study 12 city regions spread across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

The Lincoln Institute’s 1995 Cambridge Conference in September focused on these global forces. Those who focus on urban issues have been arguing for many years that we are seeing the emergence of a new kind of human settlement, with its own distinct social and economic structures and associated physical forms. Global investment, sophisticated communications, and widespread corporate and personal mobility are transforming city regions around the world.

The making of global city regions