A Narrative of the AESOP Quality Recognition Programme in the Field of Planning Education
Date
2017
Authors
Editors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Routledge : Taylor and Francis Group
Abstract
This article provides a detailed account of the development, goals, and implementation of the AESOP Quality Recognition Programme (QRP) in the field of planning education. Initiated during Francesco Lo Piccolo’s AESOP presidency (2014–2016), the programme emerged as a cooperative, non-competitive alternative to standard accreditation processes, aiming to support planning curricula across Europe in times of institutional, political, and economic uncertainty.
Key goals included:
Promoting pluralism and diversity in planning education.
Offering a voluntary, supportive quality recognition process rather than a ranking system.
Enhancing the European and international dimension of planning programmes.
The programme was piloted with participation from 22 AESOP member schools. It introduced a recognition certificate based on the AESOP Core Curriculum and a school’s demonstrated commitment to European values and mobility. Feedback was largely positive, leading to the formal launch of a standard phase and the creation of the AESOP Excellence in Education Board to oversee and harmonize evaluations.
Ultimately, the article advocates for a reflective and collaborative approach to quality assurance in planning education—one rooted in shared values, rather than bureaucratic competition.
Description
disP - The Planning Review 53
Keywords
License
All Rights Reserved
Citation
Lo Piccolo, F., 2017. A Narrative of the AESOP Quality Recognition Programme in the Field of Planning Education. disP - The Planning Review 53, 90–92.