Suggested Citation:
Wheeler, Stephen M. and Craig W. Beebe (2011) The Rise of the Postmodern Metropolis: Spatial Evolution of the Sacramento Metropolitan Region. Journal of Urban Design 16 (3), 307 - 332

This paper examines Sacramento, CA, as a case study of urban form in the evolving postmodern metropolis. Data were integrated from historical maps, aerial photographs and on-the-ground observation into a GIS database for the region, and historic and current built form were analyzed. Main findings include (1) the rapid spatial expansion and proliferation of built landscape forms within the postmodern region; (2) the rise of rural sprawl as a landscape type; (3) the peak in ex-urban land subdivision in the1970s and 1980s; (4) the changing public sector role in driving urban expansion; and (5) the limited achievements thus far of growth management efforts and the New Urbanism.