GDP and City Population in the Development Performance of City Structures

A city structure is defined as an evolutionary process determined by its network of functional activities; relationships; capital and knowledge flows which influence its growth and density as it transitions through a series of development stages. The purpose of this research paper is to present the major findings of GDP and City population key drivers in city structure development and provide an evaluative framework and tools. This research focuses on the evolution and development performance of city structures. The evaluative framework (trajectory analysis and compositional aspects of city structure population) and tools (e.g. velocity and economic resilience) are used to examine city structure development performance where GDP and city population synergise and potentiate effects. A fundamental premise for this research is that cities undergo various transitional phases of development and develop at different rates of growth. Ideally a city aspires to remain functionally viable, resilient and dynamic as part of its evolution. City structures are impacted by events (macro/global and country/city) and structural changes. This continuum of city development is nurtured through a dynamic range of forces, influences and a host of networked activities and interactions. The paper aims to provide insights into the development performance of city structure phenomena and suggests how it can be used to better inform stakeholders? decisions and direct structural change on the development of cities