Deconcentration of workplaces in greater Copenhagen: Successes and failures of location strategies in regional planning

Abstract

Urban development in Greater Copenhagen exemplifies the complexity of the interplay between overall regional planning and other factors influencing urban development, including the market. The Finger Plan of 1948 has succeeded in creating a well-functioning urban region and preventing urban sprawl. The location strategies of urban functions within the urban zone have led to both failures and successes. The secondary centres outside the central cities have not developed as planned; neither has the policy of promoting new office developments outside the central cities within walking distance from a railway station. On the other hand, the political decision to revitalize the City of Copenhagen has been a success and has positively influenced the implementation of the strategy of locating office firms within walking distance of a station. Potential barriers to the implementation of location strategies are identified and discussed together with the effects on travel behaviour, the environment, and living conditions