By Prof. Dr. Alain Thierstein
Abstract
On networked space, hubs, and urban transformation
The maritime economy as a heterogeneous innovation system has ongoing relevance to the successful spatial and functional development of regions in Europe. The ‘port region’ encompasses a complex configuration of spaces regarding commodity traffic, passenger flows, and a network of actors. A strong technological knowledge base underpins the competitiveness of the maritime economy – the term bridges the long-standing dichotomy of knowledge-intensive services and manufacturing activities – which is grounded in distinct spatial structures and proximities. Like airports and train stations, ports are hubs in a functionally networked society. Functional, morphological, and relational perspectives are key when discussing the ongoing transformation at and around ports, airports, and train stations as urban generators.
About the speaker:
Alain Thierstein, Dr. oec., retired in the spring of 2024 as a full professor for urban development at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), School of Engineering and Design, Department of Architecture. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Alain Thierstein is involved in research on urban and metropolitan development; the spatial impact of the knowledge economy, in particular, the localized networks of firm relationships; the spatial interaction of locational choice of residence, work, and mobility; the spatial-functional interaction of rail infrastructure and urban development; the role of star architecture for repositioning small and medium-sized cities.
Further readings:
Bentlage, Michael, Anne Wiese, Arno Brandt, Alain Thierstein und Frank Witlox (2014): Revealing Relevant Proximities. Knowledge Networks in the Maritime Economy in a Spatial, Functional and Relational Perspective. In: Raumforschung und Raumordnung 72(4), 275-291. doi: 10.1007/s13147-014-0299-2.
Wiese, Anne (2015): Processes of Exchange and Places of Encounter Industrial relations and spatial development at the port-city interface. Dissertation, Lehrstuhl für Raumentwicklung. Technische Universität München.
Wiese, Anne und Alain Thierstein (2014): European Port Cities: Embodiments of Interaction - Knowledge and Freight Flow as Catalysts of Spatial Development. In: Sven Conventz, Ben Derudder, Alain Thierstein und Frank Witlox (Hrsg.): Hub Cities in the Knowledge Economy - Seaports, Airports, Brainports. London: Ashgate, 95-119.