Exploring the fringe belt concept in Auckland: An urban morphological idea and planning practice

The idea of urban fringe belts has been recognised as a powerful means of understanding the physical form of urban areas and the process of urban outward growth and internal change. Surrounding Auckland's city core, an inner fringe belt can be recognised. Farther out there are middle and outer fringe belts. Fluctuations in socio-economic development, the adoption of new transport modes, land reclamation and topography are major factors influencing the formation of these fringe belts. The examination of changes to fringe belts highlights important issues of urban transformation, which are pertinent to planning and design policies for urban landscape management.