Abstract：This paper advocates for the establishment of a Science of The Hinterland, recognizing the transitional zones between
urban centers and rural landscapes as dynamic and complex areas that warrant specialized attention in the discipline
of architecture and urban planning. Drawing inspiration from the Chinese translation for Hinterland, 腹地 (fùdì), the
author proposes a definition that encapsulates the multifaceted nature of these intermediate spaces.
This definition serves as the foundation for a fractal theory that applies consistently across various scales, from a global
perspective down to potentially the definition of individual buildings. The paper integrates a literature review and a historic
overview of urban-rural classifications, incorporating insights from historians like Frankopan and key theories such
as Ekistics and Human Habitat by Doxiadis, the Sciences of Human Settlements by Wu Liangyong and Koollhaas’s
recent observations on the Countryside. Case studies and application examples further illustrate the unique challenges
faced by Hinterland areas, and some possible strategies, emphasizing the inadequacy of conventional urban strategies.
By delineating the needs and character of the Hinterland, this paper aims to pave the way for a comprehensive Science
of The Hinterland that addresses the complexities of contemporary urbanization. The paper aims to give a brief outline
of the definition, the needs and the possible character of this new theory, and examples of its practical applications. It
aims to propose a strategy to begin to establish a definition for an area in our discipline that is often overlooked, both
physically and intellectually.
