Polycentric Urban Structure and Growth Dynamics in Bandar Lampung: A Kernel-Based Approach

The growth of the Greater Bandar Lampung Metropolitan area shows indications of the development of a polycentric spatial structure, along with the emergence of activity centers outside the core city. This study aims to identify the form of urban polycentric structures in the area as a basis for developing new growth centers. The method used is spatial analysis with the Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) approach using Landsat 8 satellite imagery data, distribution of public facilities, and population density in 2018 and 2023. The results of the analysis show the formation of several new sub-activity centers in the Metro, Central Lampung, and Pesawaran areas which have quite high activity intensity. The distribution pattern of facilities and built-up land indicates a transition from a monocentric structure to a polycentric one. These findings can be the basis for formulating spatial planning policies that support connectivity between regions and equitable development in the metropolitan area.