Demographic dynamics, economic expansion and settlement dispersion in Southern Europe. Contrasting patterns of growth and change in three metropolitan region

Settlement densification and scattering are two processes through which cities evolved. Becoming a multidisciplinary research issue, urban sprawl is among the major concerns in developed and emerging countries for its negative impacts on socio-environmental complex systems. Sprawl varies at the regional scale, following different characteristics, dynamics, effects and consequences. Consequently, converging on a unique definition for sprawl is made even more difficult when patterns and processes of urbanization in various countries and regions are considered together. Our study aims at deriving a comprehensive interpretation of urban scattering based on a narrative analysis of recent expansion paths in three metropolitan cities of southern Europe (Barcelona, Istanbul, Naples) in terms of density traits, spatial forms, socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Compared to past urban trajectories, recent processes of urban expansion produced inherent changes in the density gradient, requiring specific actions of urban containment.