Typology of Localities in the Warsaw Metropolitan Area Resulting from the Spatial Development Structure

Abstract

Urban sprawl in Poland has increased due to commune autonomy in spatial planning processes. Local authorities often implement planning measures based on their unit’s interests, overlooking long-term problems such as a lack of schools, kindergartens, commercial infrastructure, and traffic congestion. To address these issues, local governments should consider spatial planning and development projects alongside the development of necessary infrastructure. Many spatial planning methods delimit metropolitan areas based on existing built-up areas and urban corridors located along transport routes. This study analyzed the urban development of the Warsaw Metropolitan Area. Based on a study by the Office of Architecture and Spatial Planning of the Capital City of Warsaw, four urbanization zones of the WMA were delimited, focusing on the accessibility of infrastructure and the urban structure of settlements. At the same time, the population density of each village and each town was calculated, and the area of vacant land was counted. The study found 44 instances of locality types, grouped into four classes, representing peri-urban areas.