In my thesis, I explore the regional and local problems of the agglomerations of large cities, which evolve through suburbanisation processes, and the potential responses to these problems. The key aim of the thesis is to identify the regional strategies and local interventions and approaches that can be used in commuter towns, a type of settlement with rather negative connotations. To explore the possibilities, I turn to urban growth management strategies applied in Hungary and abroad and examine the methods that can be used for managing the urban planning of large cities and their agglomerations together. In the second part of the thesis, I analyse the historical regional role and urban structure of Érd, a quite typical commuter town, and I investigate and present the potential
intervention points. For this, I use qualitative methods (observation, surveys), engaging residents of Érd. The research suggests that with spatial planning, regulation and additional functions, Érd could become a regional sub-centre, reducing the burden on the capital. For this, the City Centre needs to be rehabilitated, and community spaces and spaces for the local economy, now missing, need to be created. As a conclusion, I define the focus of my diploma project: with the utilisation of the modern buildings in the centre, I am designing an agora that connects different social groups, supporting social cohesion.