Urban system transformation in the central region of Spain: the emergence of the madrilenian policentric metropolitan region

This article studies two aspects about the new spatial configuration on the Central Region in Spain: from monocentric metropolitan system to polycentric metropolitan region. Firstly, we purpose a theoretical and interpretative discourse focus on the changing of urban system in the Central Region during the first, second and third (current) capitalist stage. Secondly, we define a methodology that combines a description of attributes (size and centrality) and relations (commuting trips) of the urban system. In conclusion we recognized an important transformation and two large realms in the Central Region: a) madrilenian metropolitan polycentric region; b) potential madrilenian polycentric urban horizon around the latter.