The "compact city" term has become frequently used as an objective for urban structure. By discussing this term in macro, micro and perceptual contexts, this paper begins to define the opportunities and limits that the application of this concept has for cities in developing countries. Fundamental to the application of the concept in developing countries is the expected growth in population of their cities. This growth provides the opportunity, over the medium term, to structure the city's expansion so as to maximise the opportunities for access while minimising the cost of access. Over the longer term the entire city could be restructured towards achieving the same objectives. (A) The French title of the paper is: "La ville dense : les conséquences pour les transports".
Samenvatting