Industrial-Driven Urban Growth and Sprawl Prevention: Comparative Lessons from Developed Cities for Sustainable Urban Planning

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between industrial expansion and urban sprawl in Debrecen, Hungary, a rapidly developing mid-sized European city. Using land-use data from the Copernicus Urban Atlas (2012–2021) and QGIS-based spatial analysis, the study identifies patterns of industrial land-use conversion within Debrecen’s Functional Urban Area. The findings reveal that despite a declining population, industrial land development and car dependency continue to increase, indicating emerging signs of urban sprawl. To better understand sustainable approaches to industrial urban growth, the study compares Debrecen with Freiburg, Germany, and Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, two cities recognized for balancing industrial development with sustainable urban planning policies. Through a comparative exploratory mixed-method research design, the research develops five guiding principles that form the basis of a proposed 10-year Strategic Framework for Debrecen. The framework aims to address industrial-driven sprawl while promoting sustainable urban planning.