Who coined the term "megalopolis"?

The term "megalopolis" was coined by Jean Gottmann in his seminal work published in 1961. In his study, Gottmann used the term to describe the continuous urban regions that emerged as a result of interconnected cities, particularly in the northeastern United States. This concept captures the emerging phenomenon of urbanization and metropolitan expansion, where multiple large cities and surrounding areas blend into a single, sprawling urban area.

By defining "megalopolis," Gottmann highlighted not only the physical expanse of urbanization but also the economic, social, and cultural implications of such extensive metropolitan regions. His work remains significant in urban studies and planning, serving as a foundation for understanding contemporary urban growth patterns and the challenges they pose.

The other individuals mentioned are influential in urban planning and theory but did not coin this specific term. Jane Jacobs is known for her advocacy for community-based urban design and critique of mid-20th century urban renewal, while Peter Calthorpe is famous for his work on smart growth and sustainable urbanism. Andres Duany is prominent for his role in the New Urbanism movement, which emphasizes walkable neighborhoods and community-oriented design. However, none of these figures introduced the concept of "megalopolis" as Gottmann did