Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
(the Euclidean perspective) versus the attempt to represent the relational reach of
significant living and working patterns, and of production and distribution chains,
based on functional relationships rather than existing boundaries. However, Healey
(2006) argued that many of the current exercises in spatial planning continue to
focus largely within defined borders, concentrating attention on the distribution of
major infrastructure and development investments.
However, although planning theory might still be struggling with the concep-
tualisation of network space, there are various examples of cartographic
representation which represent a practical application of a more relational
approach. Most notably, this is the work by Roger Brunet (1980, 1987) on
chorèmes
.
Chorèmes
are signs that represent dynamic phenomena or organisa-
tional mechanisms (see Figure 3.2), and that can be combined according to the
characteristics of the area to be depicted and thus used to represent different
spatial structures in a
carte-modèle
.
Chorèmes
aim to highlight underlying
spatial development trends by visualising these through dynamic and innovative
graphical expressions, and thus to communicate complex messages more openly
(cf. Brunet, 1980, 1987). One of the first and the probably best-known example of
a
carte-modèle
is the 'Blue Banana' (Reclus, 1989). The main difference between
Brunet's models and 'traditional' thematic maps is that the latter only locate ele-
ments, and do not render relationships, apart from distances and infrastructure,
between these objects, nor do they include dynamic aspects.
Chorèmes
do, and in
order to do so, geometric accuracy is sacrificed, and space and spatial relations
are often distorted (cf. Ormeling, 1992). Although initially intended as a framework
for regional geographic studies, Brunet's ideas have proved very influential
in Europe, and have reportedly inspired the German
Raumordnungspolitischer
Orientierungsrahmen
(
ORA
) (guidelines for spatial planning) (BMBau, 1993)
(cf. Plate 7).
SPATIAL CONCEPTS AND SPATIAL METAPHOR
In order to convey guiding planning principles and to structure the territory, plan-
ners often use spatial development concepts. Spatial planning concepts can be
defined as the verbal or visual expression of the desirable spatial organisation of
society (strategic concept) and the kind of interventions it requires (instrumental
concept) (cf. Zonneveld and Verwest, 2005). Spatial concepts are often presented
as
metaphor
,
1
thus making them more memorable. Metaphors are sometimes used
as aids to either understand place qualities and the spatiality of relations (for
example 'the web'), or may be used to focus policy attention and mobilise support
('growth pole', 'clusters', 'compact city'). Often they are put forward in the context
of developing a vision for a desirable future of a place ('polycentric development',
'global integration zones'). These three functions can also be combined in a single
