Analysis of a Polycentric City: the Case of Resende in the Middle Paraíba Valley

Abstract

Restructuring of production related to global post-Fordism after 1970 has redefined the space-time organization of work and its effects are evident in cities like Resende located in the Middle Paraíba Valley of Rio de Janeiro State. The internal organization of this city changed with the establishment of a number of new industries by important national and multinational corporations, which redefined local economic dynamics. Through the analysis of spatial decentralization and the rise of the first commercial and service sub-center within the city, this study has the aim of presenting how the new economic and productive role of Resende has affected urban space. In addition, the article offers methodological tools and criteria for evaluation for the analysis of production in polycentric cities.