centrech

Centrech is a term used in urban design and operations research to describe a central hub-based, technology-enabled approach to planning and service delivery. It envisions a core facility—such as a data center, logistics hub, or multipurpose center—surrounded by modular, peripheral pods and radial links that distribute services efficiently. The term blends 'centre' and 'technology' and gained prominence in speculative design and smart city discussions in the 2010s.

Principles include a central hub, radial connectivity, modular pods, and data-driven coordination to improve accessibility, resilience, and efficiency. Centrech emphasizes integrating physical infrastructure with digital systems for real-time monitoring and control of transit, utilities, and public services.

Applications span urban districts, campus master plans, and regional logistics networks. Projects use centrech layouts to shorten travel distances, improve emergency response times, and support adaptive reuse of facilities.

Criticisms concern potential single-point failures, governance and equity issues, and privacy or surveillance risks arising from centralized data systems. Proponents counter that modular pods and distributed backups mitigate risk while preserving central coordination.

Examples in planning literature describe hypothetical centrech districts or pilots where a central hub connects with autonomous service pods and a transit spine, enabling coordinated delivery of energy, waste, information, and mobility services.

See also: hub-and-spoke model; centralized planning; smart city; modular architecture; polycentric planning.