cityarchipelagos

City archipelago, sometimes written as cityarchipelago or cityarchipelagos, is a term used in urban studies to describe metropolitan regions in which the built environment and population are spread across a cluster of islands within an archipelago rather than concentrated on a single landmass. In such systems, individual towns or municipalities on different islands maintain strong economic and social ties and together form a broader urban fabric that functions as a cohesive metro area despite geographic separation.

Key characteristics include a polycentric pattern of settlement, dispersed infrastructure and services, and heavy reliance on inter-island transport networks such as ferries, bridges, and tunnels. Ports, airports, water supply, and waste management facilities often require cross-jurisdiction coordination. Governance typically involves multiple municipalities within a province or region, sometimes complemented by regional authorities or metropolises to coordinate land-use planning, housing, and economic development. The economy tends to be diversified across tourism, fishing, logistics, and light manufacturing, with commuting and goods movement shaped by maritime links.

Planning and resilience considerations are central. Challenges include coordinating land-use policies, standardizing building codes, and funding inter-island infrastructure. Environmental risks such as sea-level rise, storms, and saltwater intrusion threaten infrastructure and communities, prompting adaptation measures like shore protection, resilient design, and climate-responsive transit planning. The city archipelago model highlights how water connectivity can undergird economic integration, while also imposing unique planning and governance requirements.