Bertram D (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Book Volume: 23
Pages Range: 128-159
Journal Issue: 2
Population size is often considered a decisive factor in urban functionality. However, a number of studies conducted on small and medium-sized towns (SMSTs) have determined that they constitute relevant nodes within polycentric urban systems. Furthermore, location and geographical context have been demonstrated to influence urban functionality, particularly in territories with geographical specificities. This article investigates whether urban functionality corresponds to population size, addressing this relationship in mountain areas. Functionality is operationalised through the provision of services of general interest (SGIs) and their accessibility at the municipal level in the European Alps. A fine-scale, pan-Alpine comparative analysis distinguishes between inner- and peri-Alpine areas to assess the functional relevance of SMSTs relative to demographic thresholds. The findings show that many inner-Alpine SMSTs fulfil roles beyond their size, delivering levels of functionality comparable to peri-Alpine cities despite substantially smaller populations. The ‘factor-3 argument’ indicates that, on average, inner-Alpine towns are up to three times smaller than their peri-Alpine counterparts, yet provide similar levels of SGIs. These results contribute to a more comprehensive framework for spatial planning and development in the European Alps and provide empirical evidence for conceptual debates on the functionality of SMSTs in territories with geographical specificities.
APA:
Bertram, D. (2026). Functions follow size? Evidence from small and medium-sized towns in mountain areas. European Journal of Spatial Development, 23(2), 128-159. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20424017
MLA:
Bertram, Dominik. "Functions follow size? Evidence from small and medium-sized towns in mountain areas." European Journal of Spatial Development 23.2 (2026): 128-159.
BibTeX: Download