Periurbanen

Periurbanen is a term used in urban studies to describe the transition zone surrounding a city where urban and rural land uses mix and interact. It lies at the fringe between dense urban fabric and the countryside, and is influenced by urban growth while retaining some rural characteristics, such as agriculture or open space. The concept is used to analyze how cities expand and how surrounding areas adapt to changing pressures.

Characteristics of periurbanen include a mosaic of land uses, with residential suburbs, light industry, markets, and still-productive agricultural plots or green spaces. Infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and public transit tends to be unevenly distributed, creating a mix of well-served pockets and under-served areas. Governance is often fragmented, involving multiple municipalities or jurisdictions, which can complicate planning and delivery of services. The zone typically experiences rapid change and outward growth, sometimes referred to as sprawl, as demand for housing and economic space spills beyond the urban core.

Drivers of periurbanen expansion include population growth, rising housing prices within cities, improving transport links, and economic development that creates demand for logistical and commercial facilities near urban centers. Environmental pressures are common, including farmland conversion, habitat fragmentation, soil sealing, and increased vulnerability to flooding or heat.

Planning responses aim to balance urban needs with rural sustainability. Approaches include regional or metropolitan planning, urban growth boundaries, green infrastructure, protection of peri-urban agriculture, and policies that promote compact growth and better integration of transport, housing, and services. Recognizing periurbanen as a distinct planning space helps address both urban resilience and rural vitality.