Urban landscape research: urban commerce and the locaton of activities in the city

Abstract

The present research approaches the question of the urban landscape and the interdisciplinary nature of research related to the localization of activities in the city. Taking as an example the case of the distribution of the small commerce in the city, this paper aims to point the interaction between some of the involved factors in the choice of the localization. With the concept of “diversity”, the indicated systemic interdependence between some elements contributes to characterize the advantages of the proximity of the different urban activities. The Author also aims to show the economic approach as one of the possibilities of the analysis of the urban commerce, focusing the attention in two of its theoretical sides. The limitation of both consists of dealing too schematically with the concept of “mobility”. The Author intends to emphasize that “mobility” constitutes a central category to analyze the localization of economic activities and, consequently, of the singular and unique character of each city. The implications of the natural relief are also mentioned with respect to the settlement of the activities and the perception by the inhabitants of the various and different characteristics of the places in the city.