1.3 Research Methodology Explained

commonly accepted as profoundly urban and profoundly rural spaces, and ‘liminal spaces’ all thresholds and transitory spaces rising from the clash and overlap of urban and rural.

From a practical perspective, theoretical findings are applied on Portugal and Albania, as two main case studies, being materialized on (1) a set of criteria that condition and define the ‘urban-rural continuum’, and (2) a series of spatial typologies describing the spatiality of the ‘urban-rural continuum’ as a complex territorial form.

1.3 Research Methodology Explained

This section makes a description of the general methodological aspects of the research work. In the meantime, Chapter 5 is dedicated to a detailed explanation of the logical frame of the research work, as well as the process behind the delineation of the case studies, after having completed the theoretical discussion, which takes place on Chapters 2, 3 and 4.

Given the main objective of the research and the very complex and broad nature of the chosen topic, there are three different approaches which can be applied: - The first one is the ‘Applicative Approach’, which is based on a comparative study practice, concluding with sets of recommendations built around very specific case studies; - The second one is the ‘Theoretical Approach’, which develops on theoretical grounds only, either by exhausting one single theory or by combining a set of theories; - The third approach, also applied on this dissertation, is the ‘Comprehensive Approach’, which is a combination of the first two alternatives. It builds on a strong theoretical background in order to develop further new contemporary insights over the topic, positioning and defining new contributions within the academic repertoire, and then after it is followed by critical examinations on a series of specific case studies and samples, by applying theoretical findings and on the basis of that, building a series of interpretations. The research work concludes with a series of conclusions and recommendations on both grounds, theory and practice.

Figure 1: Research Methodology – Conceptual Tools and Approaches for Interpretations. / Source: Author

By adopting a comprehensive insight, the research work consists on the following parts:

• Theoretical Research / Desk Review Theoretical research and review of literature based on books, journal papers, policy documents, studies, and other online sources of information (websites and dedicated research platforms), on the main topic and related sub-topics. All sources of information are cited in text, and a full list of sources and literature is displayed on Bibliography and References.

In order to have a comprehensive insight, the information collected from all the above sources was instrumented through a series of analysis and incorporated interpretations, in order to unhitch urban-rural territorial dynamics and reach a contemporary understanding of the spatial hybridity rising among the two, framed under the concept of the ‘urban – rural continuum’. On these terms, two main approaches have guided these series of analysis and interpretations: - Processes Prior to Form: considering the perceptual evolution on the ‘urban’ and

‘rural’ spaces, and emphasizing the importance of socio-economic processes in the change of social patterns. On this first approach, the concept of ‘liminality’ has been framed as ‘a process of social change’, therefore looking at ‘liminal periods of time’, and ‘liminal conditions’ that lead to the change and altering of social patterns and dynamics. - Form Follows Processes: considering the spatial evolution of the ‘urban’ and

‘rural’ spaces, and the rise of the ‘urban-rural continuum’, as due to socioeconomic processes and the change of social patterns. On this second approach, the concept of ‘liminality’ has been framed as ‘a process of spatial production’, therefore looking at ‘liminal spaces’, whereas the concept of ‘continuum’ is interpreted as spatial construct made by the series of sequences of ‘fixed constants and distinct spaces’ and ‘liminal spaces’. By ‘fixed constants and distinct spaces’ are intended all areas commonly accepted as profoundly urban, or profoundly rural, and by ‘liminal spaces’ are intended all thresholds and transitory spaces rising from the clash and overlay of these fixed constants, hence the clash and overlay of ‘urban’ and ‘rural’.

• Empirical Research / Fieldwork Theoretical findings have been put on perspective though the delineation of two main case studies, Portugal and Albania, and a total of four main samples within these case studies. Intensive fieldwork has been conducted on both cases, materialized through onfield data collection and visual surveys, partaking in didactive events, review of planning documents and guiding of planning processes, interview and working sessions with focused groups, as well as conducting questionnaires.

Figure 2: Research Activities and Fieldwork / Source: Author

Portugal and Albania have been delineated as two very relevant case studies for the topic of research, followed by representative samples on each of them: ‘The Medio Ave Region’ in Portugal, and ‘Durana’, ‘Riviera’ and ‘Dropull’ in Albania. Chapter 5 introduces an indepth analysis on the ‘why’s and ‘how’s for each of these case studies and samples. Nevertheless, three main criteria that led to the delineation of Portugal and Albania as two main and comparable case studies, include: - Similarities in terms of land fragmentation (especially of agricultural land): in both countries caused from centralized governments (dictatorships), which have had different consequences in the way both countries have addressed territorial development; - Functional relations: the overlay of areas of economic activities (agricultural, industrial, touristic, etc.), settlements, and road infrastructure has impacted urban-rural relationships and their spatial dimensions (‘Pluriactivity’ in the case of

Portugal, and ‘Agglomeration Practices’ in the case of Albania);