Abstract

CACHINHO, Herculano  and  BARATA SALGUEIRO, Teresa. Urban retail systems in times of turbulence: levels of vulnerability and resilience. Finisterra [online]. 2016, n.101, pp.89-109. ISSN 0430-5027.  https://doi.org/10.18055/Finis4134.

Change has always been a significant attribute of urban retail systems. However, in recent decades, not only has the pace of these changes been dramatically intensified but also their scope has broadened significantly, engendering large imbalances in the structure and spatial organization of urban retail systems. Often, these changes not only challenge the vitality and the economic viability of the retail systems but also jeopardize the sustainability of cities. Departing from the assumption that retailing as a key element of urban sustainability, and that planning policies can contribute to its efficient development, this article focuses on the presentation of the conceptual and methodological framework used in the REPLACIS Project to assess the vulnerabilities and the resilience levels of urban retail systems. Thus, the paper comprises two parts. The first is focused on the major changes that urban retailing has undergone and on the discussion of the concept of resilience applied to retail systems. The second presents the analytical dimensions of the conceptual and methodological framework. The article ends with a brief reflection on the strengths and limitations of the model as a tool for the assessment of the vitality and viability of retail systems from the perspective of urban resilience.

Keywords : REPLACIS; Urban retail system; resilience; Urban sustainability.

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