Compact and polycentric urban forms as intertwined concepts: Learning from the impacts of Covid–19 retail restrictions on spatial (in)equalities in Brno (Czech Republic)

Abstract

Urban structure conceptualisation using compact and polycentric city narratives is often performed separately. However, although both are based on different spatial grammars, they are inextricably linked. The spatially equitable distribution and accessibility of urban functions are often seen as their main contributions. This paper uses the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic to further analyse the relationship between the two narratives, using the radical transformation of a retail network in a post-socialist city (Brno, Czech Republic) as an example. Based on an in-depth analysis of government measures aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus and their coverage in the media, operational changes among all stores in the city are quantified. A comparative spatial analysis then shows that, in addition to economic inequalities, spatial injustice was exacerbated by the position of the central government, with varying degrees of intensity depending on the type of urban structure. It is argued that the resilience potential of polycentric and compact structures is very low, especially in the absence of retail planning and reflection upon spatiality in ensuring social equity.

An insight into market and non-market alternative food networks in Czechia during Covid-19 and beyond

“…The results do not indicate significant changes and these results might indicate the good accessibility of conventional shops in general (as Table 6 shows). However, Lichter and Malý ( 35 ) found that government restrictions had different impacts on (not only) food purchase accessibility in cities, depending on the various types of urban structure that implies diverse forms and assortment of retail units. Thus, the authors argue that more comprehensive retail planning that reflects the potential local impacts of global crises is essential to ensure greater spatial equity in access to basic daily commodities.…”

“…Related to retail landscapes and consumer behavior, the very dynamic processes were shaped by internationalization trends and the adoption of Western models and patterns of shopping behavior ( 34 ) leading to the enormous spread of foreign retail companies in the form of large-scale retail formats (such as hypermarkets, supermarkets, discount stores and shopping malls) and causing a radical transformation of retail networks in post-socialist cities ( 35 ). Therefore, transnational corporations have gained dominance, and partially replaced traditional smaller retail facilities ( 36 , 37 ).…”