Megalopolis
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A megalopolis (or megapolis) is a network of large cities and surrounding metropolitan areas that have become interconnected, primarily by transportation infrastructure. This results in a continuous flow of movement and commerce driven by economic development that supports the collective growth of the region.
[edit] History
The term megalopolis was first used in the United States in the 20th century. It was applied to the area from Washington to New York to Boston, also known as the Northeast megalopolis, the Northeast Corridor or BosWash. This heavily-travelled commuter region has several busy transport hubs, including a dense concentration of highways, airports, railways and ports.
In a megalopolis, each city and the surrounding metropolitan area retains its own identity, but the urban sprawl that results from the geographic proximity of each city links the different areas together. This distinguishes a megalopolis from a megacity, which is a urban agglomeration that includes people living in the immediate suburbs outside of the established border of a single city.
For more information see: Megacity.
[edit] Trends
There are more megalopolis regions developing around the world, particularly in Asia. These include examples such as China's Pearl River Delta and Indonesia's Jakarta-Bandung metro area.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.