Metropolizacja w konurbacji górnośląskiej

Abstract

The article is an attempt to show the processes of metropolisation of the Upper-Silesian Conurbation. Its aim is to highlight the determinants of forming of “metropolis”, through showing the institutional base of metropolitan level in the Upper-Silesian conurbation, aspirating to “Silesia” metropolis. The article is composed of two parts. In the first one, theoretical and metodical assumptions were presented, basic concepts were explained, as well as the area of research, juxtaposed to other metropolitan areas in Poland, was characterised. In the second part, the first attempts of empowerment of metropolitan institutions of the municipal union character in the Upper-Silesian Conurbation, and the institutional base of metropolitan level, were analysed. In the Upper-Silesian Conurbation, the institutional base is still poorly developed, in relation to the developmental possibilities. The metropolitan processes in this area are only developing. The institutions of metropolitan level are dispersed in many towns, which results from the policentricity of the colonisation system of conurbation genesis, as well as from the early phase of metropolisation in this area. The metropolitan institutional base is developed best in Katowice. In the remaining towns, it is weakly marked.