Messy, jagged city borders are actually better for keeping people fed than clean, straight ones.
March 19, 2026
Original Paper
Fractal Analysis of the Urban-Agricultural Boundary Rugosity: A Case Study in Provence (France)
SSRN · 6437875
The Takeaway
Using fractal analysis, researchers found that the 'rugosity' (complexity) of the urban-agricultural boundary increases the contact points between farmers and city markets. While planners often prefer orderly borders, a more complex, interlocking boundary actually makes it easier for residents to access local produce.
From the abstract
The rugosity (complexity) of the urban limit may positively influence connections between local agriculture and nearby markets. A more complex boundary between urban and agricultural zones increases potential contact, which can improve urban access to nearby agricultural production. However, measuring the shape of this boundary remains a challenge due to its complexity and heterogeneity. We argue that the town-agriculture relationship strongly depends on this complexity. To address this, we prop