What would zoning look like if it regulated the rate of change rather than the maximum intensity of development? I propose a novel framework toward a new paradigm that embraces the self-organizing, complex nature of cities and neighborhoods that are in a constant state of incremental change. Recognizing the importance of protecting against drastic change, Metrocoalescence describes a framework for allowing for incremental change based on existing conditions to create a zoning map that redraws itself.

If sprawl and fragmented urbanism are products of our zoning paradigm, Metrocoalescence offers a way out to gradually weave the fabric of our neighborhoods together.