Polyrationalities

The map presents the Ruhr region as a polyrational space: Rivers, canals, and topographical thresholds structure it alongside ecclesiastical territories, mining concessions, and administrative boundaries, complemented by infrastructure corridors, funding frameworks, and planning associations. It reveals how economic, ecological, confessional, and political-administrative boundaries overlap to form a dense network, for instance where municipal borders cut through neighborhoods, canals divide communities, or planning areas run counter to established identities.