V - disP - The Planning Review - AESOP section

Permanent URI for this community

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14235/2130

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 46

Restricted
Echoes from the Liverpool congress
(Taylor and Francis, 2009)
This article offers a comprehensive reflection on the 23rd AESOP Congress held in Liverpool in July 2009, themed "Why can't the future be more like the past?" It recounts the academic and social dimensions of the event, hosted by the University of Liverpool’s Department of Civic Design in celebration of its centenary. With over 500 participants and 393 papers presented across 121 sessions, the congress fostered discussions on planning history, contemporary challenges, and future directions in spatial planning. Keynotes addressed Liverpool’s urban transformation and strategic development. The article also highlights the PhD Workshop in Manchester and the AESOP Prizes for excellence in teaching and best paper publication. The Excellence in Teaching Prize was jointly awarded to the Universities of Brest and Liverpool for their collaborative EU-focused course, while Michael Hebbert received the Best Paper Prize for his work on green space transformation in urban planning. Dave Shaw and Cecilia Wong – authors of the section describing the Congress itself. Dave Shaw was Chair of the Conference Organising Committee. Cecilia Wong was Chair of the PhD Workshop. Francesco Lo Piccolo – author of the report on the Excellence in Teaching Prize 2009 (Chair of the Jury). Peter Næss – author of the report on the Best Paper Prize (Chair of the committee).
Restricted
Learning from the Past, Facing the Future 2012: AESOP Silver Jubilee Year
(Taylor and Fransis, 2011) Mironowicz, Izabela; Barski, Jan; Martin, Derek
This article reflects on the 25th anniversary of AESOP (Association of European Schools of Planning) and outlines the organization's accomplishments, evolving role, and strategic plans for the future. It describes key AESOP initiatives such as the annual Congress, Heads of Schools meetings, the PhD Workshop, the Young Academics network, and the European Urban Summer School. The piece also introduces the “Decade of Planning 2011–2020,” a collaborative framework launched with partners like ECTP-CEU, IFHP, and ISOCARP, aiming to elevate planning’s visibility and effectiveness in addressing global urban challenges. Highlighting the upcoming Jubilee events and joint lecture series, the article positions AESOP as a proactive force in shaping planning education, practice, and policy dialogue across Europe and beyond.
Restricted
AESOP Silver Jubilee: AESOP Presidents Reflect on the Future of Planning and AESOP
(Taylor & Francis, 2012) Mironowicz, Izabela
This report presents highlights from a special session held during the AESOP Silver Jubilee Congress in Ankara (14 July 2012), where past AESOP Presidents and founding members shared reflections on the future of planning and AESOP. Eleven presidents and honorary member Andreas Faludi offered diverse perspectives on the evolving role of planning amid globalization, climate change, economic crises, and technological transformation. Contributions emphasized the need for planning to be socially just, adaptive, participatory, and interdisciplinary. They called for planning education to prepare students to think critically, act ethically, and engage meaningfully in shaping future urban and regional environments. The session underscored AESOP’s role as a platform for dialogue and innovation, and concluded with a ceremonial handover to the new President, Gert de Roo.
Open Access
Celebration of AESOP Birthday: Launch of AESOP–IFHP Lecture Series
(Taylor and Francis, 2012) Mironowicz, Izabela
This article documents the celebration of AESOP’s 25th anniversary held at Schloss Cappenberg, the birthplace of the association. The event brought together former and current AESOP Presidents and Secretaries General, as well as representatives of major European planning organizations. The main highlight of the gathering was the launch of the AESOP–IFHP Lecture Series, a joint initiative within the broader “Decade of Planning” framework. The article includes reflections on planning education by Klaus R. Kunzmann, who identified key challenges and scenarios for the future of planning in Europe. The event reaffirmed AESOP's commitment to collaborative, transnational planning education and professional dialogue.
Restricted
AESOP Silver Jubilee Congress in Ankara: First Step Towards AESOP's Golden Jubilee
(Taylor & Francis, 2012) Mironowicz, Izabela
This report presents an overview of the AESOP Silver Jubilee Congress held in Ankara, Turkey, from 11–15 July 2012. As the largest AESOP event to date, it drew over 1000 abstract submissions from 63 countries, illustrating the vitality and diversity of the European planning academic community. The article provides detailed statistics on abstract submissions, acceptance rates, track popularity, and final program composition. It highlights trends such as the increasing engagement of students, high participation from AESOP member institutions, and rising international interest. The Congress also featured strong involvement in the AESOP–IFHP Lecture Series and set the stage for future events, including the AESOP–ACSP Joint Congress. The report positions the Ankara Congress as a milestone on the path toward AESOP’s Golden Jubilee, reflecting growth, inclusivity, and academic excellence.
Restricted
How to Manage Planning Schools in Times of Crisis – Lessons Learned over 25 Years of Experience: Report on the 7th AESOP Heads of Schools Meeting
(Taylor & Francis, 2012) Cotella, Giancarlo; Mironowicz, Izabela
This report summarizes the 7th AESOP Heads of Schools meeting held in May 2012 in Norway, as part of AESOP's Silver Jubilee activities. The meeting focused on strategies for managing planning schools amidst internal and external crises. Discussions explored challenges such as adapting to financial constraints, institutional reform, increased competition, and the need for improved cooperation between schools. Workshops addressed the role of the AESOP Experts Pool, institutional contexts, and the balance between competition and collaboration. The event concluded with the proposal of new strategic directions for AESOP and planning education. The meeting underscored the importance of shared experiences, academic resilience, and the role of planning schools as bridges between education and practice.
Restricted
News from AESOP: Spring 2013
(Taylor & Francis, 2013) Mironowicz, Izabela
This article provides an overview of AESOP's activities during Spring 2013, a period marked by dynamic events and strategic developments. It highlights the 5th AESOP–IFHP Lecture, delivered by Professor Juval Portugali in Amsterdam, which stimulated interdisciplinary dialogue on complexity, cognition, and planning. It also summarizes outcomes from the 8th AESOP Heads of Schools Meeting in Gdańsk, focused on smart teaching and curriculum innovation, and the AESOP Council of Representatives meeting, which addressed AESOP's role within global academic networks, particularly GPEAN. The article announces the AESOP–ACSP Joint Congress to be held in Dublin in July 2013 and previews the European Urban Summer School 2013, centered on post-speculative urbanism in Madrid. Altogether, the article documents AESOP's continued leadership in fostering planning education, international cooperation, and policy discourse.
Restricted
Autumn 2013: New projects, new developments
(Taylor & Francis, 2013) Mironowicz, Izabela
This report summarizes the outcomes of the 2013 AESOP Council of Representatives and General Assembly held during the AESOP–ACSP Joint Congress at University College Dublin. Key topics discussed included the growth and structure of future AESOP congresses, deepening collaboration with European institutions (ESPON, URBACT, DG Regio), and the launch of strategic initiatives such as the AESOP Digital Platform (InPlanning), the Sense of History project, and the AESOP & YA Booklet Series. The Council elected Francesco Lo Piccolo as future AESOP President and re-elected Thomas Matta as Treasurer. The success and continuation of the Lecture Series were emphasized. Awards for academic excellence were presented, and AESOP’s commitment to inclusive, critical, and European-centered planning dialogue was reaffirmed. The article also highlights the outcomes and reflections on the 2013 Dublin Congress, which gathered nearly 1,200 participants.
Open Access
Planning Ghosts and Adaptive Planners
(Taylor & Francis, 2013) Mironowicz, Izabela
This article summarizes the closing lecture of the AESOP–IFHP Lecture Series, delivered by Cliff Hague in Riga on 13 December 2013. Using a creative reinterpretation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Hague explored the “Ghosts of Planning Past, Present and Future” to reflect on the evolution and future direction of urban planning. The article recaps his presentation and the discussion that followed, emphasizing three main themes: the enduring relevance of planning education; the evolving role of architecture in sustainable redevelopment; and the shifting role of the planner from a top-down administrator to a facilitator of participatory planning processes. The lecture encouraged planners to embrace adaptability, foster citizen involvement, and respond to the socio-economic transformations shaping urban environments. The report also provides insights into AESOP's upcoming initiatives, including the continued Lecture Series (with EURA as a new partner), the 2014 Congress, and enhanced cooperation with disP journal to reflect AESOP Thematic Groups’ debates.
Restricted
AESOP Generating Discussion on New Models of Territorial Governance in Europe: Report on Professor Danuta Hübner’s AESOP–IFHP Lecture
(Taylor & Francis, 2013) Mironowicz, Izabela
This report summarizes the third lecture in the AESOP–IFHP Lecture Series, delivered by Professor Danuta Hübner in Brussels on 5 October 2012. The lecture, titled “Space and Place as Integrating Factors in Policy-Making,” focused on the evolution of territorial cohesion in EU policy. Professor Hübner argued that effective governance in Europe increasingly requires territorial sensitivity, integrated approaches, and multilevel cooperation. She discussed the need to strengthen functional areas, enhance the role of cities, and align regional development strategies across administrative and sectoral boundaries. The report emphasizes that territorial cohesion is not yet formally defined, but widely understood as a shared European objective. New tools such as Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs) and Community-led Local Development (CLLD) were highlighted as pathways toward more inclusive and efficient governance. The article reflects on the broader shift in EU governance from rigid structures toward flexible, place-based strategies that involve local actors in designing and implementing territorial policy.
Restricted
AESOP’s Thematic Groups – Part 2: Complexity & Planning
(Taylor & Francis, 2014) Rauws, Ward
This article presents the goals, development, and scholarly output of AESOP’s Thematic Group on Complexity and Planning. Founded in 2005, the group brings together researchers interested in applying complexity theories to urban and regional planning. It explores concepts such as self-organization, non-linearity, and adaptive systems through regular meetings, conference tracks, and workshops. The group has produced two edited volumes and several special issues in peer-reviewed journals, addressing the impact of complexity on governance, simulation methods, and urban transformation. Events cover themes from digitalization to networked urban governance, and the group fosters both theoretical reflection and practical applications. With over 200 members, it provides a dynamic platform for both newcomers and experienced researchers engaged in complexity-oriented planning scholarship.
Restricted
AESOP’s Thematic Groups – Part 1: French and British Planning Studies Group
(Taylor & Francis, 2014) Andres, Lauren
This article provides an in-depth overview of the AESOP Thematic Group on French and British Planning Studies, founded in 1998 to foster dialogue between the Anglophone and Francophone academic worlds. The group promotes comparative research on urban planning systems, cultures, and policies in France and the UK. It operates through biannual meetings alternating between both countries, engaging researchers and practitioners alike. The group's work has resulted in several major publications, including two books and special issues of Town Planning Review. Topics explored include metropolitan democracy, spatial planning systems, cultural policy in European cities, and the interrelationship between rail infrastructure and urban development. The article emphasizes the group’s informal yet intellectually rigorous approach and its commitment to intercultural dialogue and collaborative scholarship.
Restricted
AESOP’s Thematic Groups
(Taylor & Francis, 2014) Mironowicz, Izabela
This article provides a brief institutional overview of the AESOP Thematic Groups (TGs), which function as platforms for scholarly collaboration and focused discussion on key planning topics. The Secretary General outlines the support mechanisms offered by AESOP, including branding rights, financial assistance, communication infrastructure, and quality oversight. Thematic Groups are encouraged to organize events, contribute to Congress programs, and deliver annual reports. A list of currently active TGs is provided, with themes ranging from complexity in planning and sustainable food systems to urban culture, ethics, and transport policy. Future AESOP News Sections are expected to present deeper insights into the activities of individual TGs.
Restricted
AESOP’s Thematic Groups – Part 3: The Sustainable Food Planning Thematic Group
(Taylor & Francis, 2014) van der Valk, Arnold; Viljoen, Andre
This article presents the foundation, mission, and achievements of AESOP’s Sustainable Food Planning Thematic Group. Established in 2009 by Kevin Morgan and Arnold van der Valk, the group brings together academics and practitioners to develop and promote sustainable food systems. Its activities include annual conferences, scholarly publications, and interdisciplinary collaboration across spatial planning, public health, agriculture, and environmental sciences. The group emphasizes urban and peri-urban agriculture and aims to foster young researchers. Key conferences have been held in Almere, Brighton, Cardiff, Berlin, Montpellier, and Leeuwarden. The group operates informally but is moving toward more structured coordination. Its future goals include educational outreach, PhD integration, and publishing a comprehensive handbook on sustainable food planning.
Open Access
AESOP Thematic Groups: Public Spaces and Urban Cultures
(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Knierbein, Sabine; Sezer, Ceren; Tornaghi, Chiara
This article introduces the AESOP Thematic Group on Public Spaces and Urban Cultures (PSUC), founded in April 2010 to foster interdisciplinary and international dialogue on public space and urban culture. The group engages academics, practitioners, and public stakeholders through meetings, workshops, and online platforms. It supports research, planning, and educational initiatives focused on spatial justice, everyday urbanism, and participatory processes. The article presents the group’s structure, key themes, events, and publications, emphasizing its open and inclusive approach and its ambition to bridge theory and practice across diverse sociopolitical contexts.
Restricted
Transportation Planning and Policy
(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Nicolaisen, Morten Skou; Driscoll, Patrick; Bertolini, Luca
This article presents the history, goals, and activities of the AESOP Thematic Group on Transportation Planning and Policy. It addresses the core challenges of mobility in increasingly dense urban environments and explores how transportation planning must balance economic, environmental, and social concerns. The group originated from a popular AESOP Congress track and evolved into an active community through seminars, workshops, and the EU-funded COST Action on accessibility instruments. The article highlights the group’s interdisciplinary nature, involvement in planning practice, and ambitions to continue collaborative research through annual workshops. It also outlines recent activities and future plans, including contributions to the AESOP Congress in Prague.
Restricted
AESOP Thematic Groups: Planning/Conflict
(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Gualini, Enrico
This article presents the AESOP Thematic Group on Planning/Conflict, established in 2013 to explore the role of planning in framing, transforming, and engaging with urban conflicts. The group offers a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on how planning practices both generate and respond to conflicts within urban development. It organizes international conferences and special sessions at academic events and has contributed to multiple edited volumes and scholarly outputs. The article critically reflects on the conceptual and practical intersections between planning and conflict, arguing for a post-disciplinary and interpretive approach to understand urban contention, the dynamics of power, and the political dimensions embedded in planning processes.
Open Access
AESOP Thematic Groups: Resilience and Risk Mitigation Strategies
(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Sliuzas, Richard
This article introduces the AESOP Thematic Group “Resilience and Risk Mitigation Strategies” (RRMS), established around the 2007 AESOP Annual Conference in Naples. The group connects spatial planning expertise with risk governance, addressing natural, technological, and hybrid risks. It explores how planning can reduce vulnerabilities and hazard exposure, integrate disaster risk reduction into policy, and enhance resilience through proactive governance. The article outlines key developments in theory, practice, and education, referencing major international frameworks (e.g., UNISDR, Sendai, Habitat III) and activities such as roundtables, workshops, and conference sessions. RRMS emphasizes planning’s interdisciplinary potential and capacity-building roles in risk-aware urban development.
Open Access
José Miguel Fernández-Güell — Spain
(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Fernández-Güell, José Miguel
In this national commentary, José Miguel Fernández-Güell outlines the strengths and challenges of urban planning in Spain. While municipal planning is widely institutionalised, regional planning often remains symbolic due to political resistance. The article highlights a growing conceptual crisis in planning, driven by inefficiencies, corruption, and disconnection from contemporary needs. Planners increasingly focus on sustainability, mobility, and public space, yet media and public interest remain low. A significant theory-practice gap persists, with limited integration of academic thought into professional action. The article also touches on urban inequality, educational pathways, and the need for a European policy that balances cohesion with subsidiarity.
Open Access
Introduction: Planning and Planning Education in 2015
(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Kunzmann, Klaus R.; Koll-Schretzenmayr, Martina
In this introduction to the themed issue of disP, Klaus R. Kunzmann and Martina Koll-Schretzenmayr provide a reflective overview of spatial planning and planning education in Europe in 2015. They identify shifting political and economic contexts—including the global financial crisis, EU re-nationalisation, and urbanisation pressures—that challenge planning’s role and legitimacy. The authors present six guiding questions that informed a survey of 50 European planners on topics such as the current status of planning, dominant media themes, the gap between theory and practice, spatial disparities, educational adequacy, and the role of EU policy. The aim is to foster a multilingual, transnational dialogue on planning’s future.