Urbanité et centralité : Le paradoxe des villes moyennes périphériques
Urbanity and centrality: The paradox of peripheral medium-sized towns

Summary/Abstract: The city is often described as the place of maximum centrality. Material and intangible networks converge toward it, while the generally high density of activities, people and infrastructure fosters exchanges and innovations. This situation produces attractive effects proportional to the size of the city, effects which go far beyond the physical framework of the urbanized area to be extended regionally, even nationally or internationally. In this context, the concept of a peripheral city may seem inappropriate or even awkward. Yet the question of the positioning of a city within an urban system remains a fundamental element of urban studies. It is therefore important to revisit the concept of a peripheral city in order to evaluate its relevance and, if necessary, to define it more precisely. Is it an aporia or a paradox? We will use a documentary survey and epistemological analysis. Then, we will address the case of Saguenay, a midsize city located in a peripheral regional setting in the province of Quebec. This case study will allow us to test a typology related to different kinds of centrality.

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