Organisational and Technological Change and the Future Role of the Central Business District: an Australian Example

Abstract

A critical re-examination of traditional urban theory concerning central area office and retail activities suggests that an appreciation of dynamic organisational and technological processes may be missing from the planner's insights into causes of change in the Central Business District. This paper reviews some Australian evidence concerning organisational and technological change, and shows that these processes are already impinging upon the Central Business District of Melbourne, Australia. A more general conclusion emerges, which is that rather than focus upon issues such as urban rent and accessibility of central areas, analysis should now pay greater attention to understanding those processes operating within the Central Business District which originate from the dynamics of larger environments.