Spatial Planning Systems and Practices in Europe


Book Description

Ideal for students and practitioners working in spatial planning, the Europeanization of planning agendas and regional policy in general Spatial Planning Systems and Practices in Europe develops a systematic methodological framework to analyze changes in planning systems throughout Europe. The main aim of the book is to delineate the coexistence of continuity and change and of convergence and divergence with regard to planning practices across Europe. Based on the work of experts on spatial planning from twelve European countries the authors underline the specific and context-dependent variety and disparateness of planning transformation, focusing on the main objectives of the changes, the driving forces behind them and the main phases and turning points, the main agenda setting actors, and the different planning modes and tools reflected in the different "policy and planning styles". Along with a methodological framework the book includes twelve country case studies and the comparative conclusions covering a variety of planning systems of EU member states. According to the four "ideal types" of planning systems identified in the EU Compendium, at least two countries have been selected from each of the four different planning traditions: regional-economic (France, Germany), Urbanism (Greece, Italy), comprehensive/integrated (Denmark ,Finland, Netherlands, Germany), "land use planning" (UK, Czech Republic, Belgium/Flanders), along with two additional case studies focusing on the recent developments in eastern European countries by looking at Poland and in southern Europe looking at Turkey.




Planning Cultures in Europe


Book Description

Bringing together an interdisciplinary team from across the EU, this book connects elements of cultural and planning theories to explain differences and peculiarities among EU member states. A 'culturized planning model' is introduced to consider the 'rules of the game': how culture affects planning practices not only on an explicit 'surface' but also on a 'hidden' implicit level. The model consists of three analytical dimensions: 'planning artifacts', 'planning environment' and 'societal environment'. This book adopts these dimensions to compare planning cultures of different European countries. This sheds light not only on the organizational or institutional structure of planning, but also the influence of deeper cultural values and layers on planning and implementation processes.




Territorial Development, Cohesion and Spatial Planning


Book Description

This book examines some of the evolving challenges faced by EU regional policy in light of enlargement and to assess some of the approaches and trends in terms of territorial development policy and practice that are emerging out of this process. Focusing on the experiences on Central and Eastern Europe, these chapters reflect on the diversity of approaches to spatial planning and the the politics of policy formation and multi-level governance operations – from local to trans-national agendas. Promoting increased awareness and understanding of these issues is the main purpose of the book, as well as harnessing the extensive capacity and ‘knowledge’ within these countries that can greatly enrich the discourse within an enlarged ‘epistemic community’ of European spatial planning academics, practitioners and policy-makers. The recently acquired CEE dimension provides a unique opportunity to examine the evolution of existing ‘epistemic communities’ as well as to explore the potential emergence of new ones..




Urban Planning in Europe


Book Description

An analysis of the influences on urban planning in Europe. Detailed case studies are used to explore planning policies in a range of European cities, and discuss the social and environmental objectives that influence today's urban planner.




Metropolitan Governance and Spatial Planning


Book Description

This book explores the relationship between the arrangements for metropolitan decision-making and the co-ordination of spatial policy and compares approaches across a wide range of European Cities.




Spatial Planning Systems in Europe


Book Description

This insightful book provides a comprehensive and comparative account of the current state and trajectories of spatial planning in 32 European countries. The book also explains how European governments are reforming spatial planning to meet new challenges, and how the European Union and its Cohesion Policy have shaped change through the Europeanisation of territorial governance.




Gendered Approaches to Spatial Development in Europe


Book Description

This book explores the extent to which gendered approaches are evident and effective in spatial development in selected European countries. Beginning with an introduction to theories and concepts of gender, space and development, the book includes a brief historical review of gender in spatial planning and development throughout Europe in general, and an overview of different national frameworks in European countries, comparing legal, organisational and cultural similarities and differences. This is followed by a critical reflection on how simplifications and stereotypes of gender concepts are used in the practice of spatial development. The main part of the book offers a transnational discussion of planning practices on selected thematic topics. It starts with gender-sensitivity in urban master planning and at neighbourhood level referring to different types of planning manuals. Furthermore, the book focuses on gender-sensitive evaluation in urban planning as well as international agendas for sustainable development as a framework for a new generation of gender equality policies. The chapter authors assert that climate change, migration and austerity have threatened gender equality and therefore spatial development needs to be especially alert to gender dimensions. The editors end with an outlook and suggestions for further action and research on gender issues in spatial development. With inputs from some of Europe’s leading thinkers on gender, space and development, this volume is designed to inspire students, scholars and practitioners to reflect upon the contribution that gendered approaches can make in the various fields of spatial development and environmental planning.




Spatial Planning in Ghana


Book Description

This book documents and analyses spatial planning in Ghana, providing a comprehensive and critical discussion of the evolving institutional and legal arrangements that have shaped and defined Ghana’s spatial planning system for more than seven decades; the contemporary policy instruments and mechanisms for articulating and implementing policies and proposals at multiple scales; and the formally established procedures for development management. It covers important themes in contemporary spatial planning discourse, including the evolving meaning, scope and purpose of spatial planning globally; the scales of spatial planning (i.e. national, regional, sub-regional and local); multi-level integration within spatial planning; public participation; the interface between urbanization, sustainable growth management and spatial planning; spatial planning and housing development; integrated spatial development and transportation planning; and spatial planning and the urban informal economy. Intended for undergraduate and graduate students, and academic researchers and practitioners/policy-makers in the multidisciplinary field of spatial planning, it appeals to readers seeking an international perspective on spatial planning systems and practices.




The New Spatial Planning


Book Description

Spatial planning, strongly advocated by government and the profession, is intended to be more holistic, more strategic, more inclusive, more integrative and more attuned to sustainable development than previous approaches. In what the authors refer to as the New Spatial Planning, there is a fairly rapidly evolving maturity and sophistication in how strategies are developed and produced. Crucially, the authors argue that the reworked boundaries of spatial planning means that to understand it we need to look as much outside the formal system of practices of ‘planning’ as within it. Using a rich empirical resource base, this book takes a critical look at recent practices to see whether the new spatial planning is having the kinds of impacts its advocates would wish. Contributing to theoretical debates in planning, state restructuring and governance, it also outlines and critiques the contemporary practice of spatial planning. This book will have a place on the shelves of researchers and students interested in urban/regional studies, politics and planning studies.




Making European Space


Book Description

Making European Space explores how future visions of Europe's physical space are being decisively shaped by transnational politics and power struggles, which are being played out in new multi-level arenas of governance across the European Union. At stake are big ideas about mobility and friction, about relations between core and peripheral regions, and about the future Europe's cities and countryside. The book builds a critical narrative of the emergence of a new discourse of Europe as 'monotopia', revealing a very real project to shape European space in line with visions of high speed, frictionless mobility, the transgression of borders, and the creation of city networks. The narrative explores in depth how the particular ideas of mobility and space which underpin this discourse are being constructed in policy making, and reflects on the legitimacy of these policy processes. In particular, it shows how spatial ideas are becoming embedded in the everyday practices of the social and political organisation of space, in ways that make a frictionless Europe seem natural, and part of a common European territorial identity.