Some Finnish double centres: services and interaction

Abstract

The development and functional structure of six double centres (central places with two 'partner centres') in Finnish development areas were studied.

General development trends of the partner centres were measured by population growth and changes in the occupational structure. The 'double centre status' in such was not the basic factor in explaining these trends measured by those variables. Also its influence on changes of the number of (1) central functions (the qualitative component of the service structure in the partner centres) and (2) service units (quantitative component) was slight between the years 1951‑1960 and 1961‑1970.

The partner centres of the big double centres (pop. over 30 000) were functionally more independent than those of the small double centres (pop. under 30 000). The double centres were less efficient as centres of their region than single centres of the same size. This was confirmed also by measuring trips of individuals to the centres and the degree of cooperation between central and peripheral communes.

One solution to intensify the service capacity of the double centres was proved to be to develop the functional division of work between the partner centres.