Creative nodes,logistical networks,and the future of the metropolis

A paradigmatic shift away from traditional quantitative methods towards qualitative dynamic analysis is proposed in order to fully comprehend the future of the metropolis. Over the last millennium the great structural changes of production, location, trade, culture and institutions have most likely been triggered by slow but steady changes to those logistical networks which are responsible for the movement of key factors of production. Nonlinear dynamic methods such as catastrophe theory and synergetics can help to provide the necessary analytical insights. Creativity and accessibility to logistical networks are portrayed as important catalysts of qualitative change.requests for offprints