Spatial Planning Policies Research Articles

What is spatial planning saying? A conceptual and methodological framework to assess the institutionalization of nature using critical discourse analysis

ABSTRACT Spatial planning policies are fundamental blocks for the implementation of sustainable development goals. Still, despite the growing adoption of environmental proxies, as it is nature-based solutions, the study of their institutionalization in policy and spatial planning is in the early stages. Simultaneously, the use of discursive and interpretative methods to unfold the social structures related to environmental issues is growing, nonetheless, their application is more common to supranational narratives. This article proposes a conceptual and methodological approach to using critical discourse analysis for studying the institutionalization and conceptualization of nature-related issues in policy and spatial planning at national and local levels. This is done by discussing the ontological relations between the discursive institutionalist theory and critical discourse analysis as a methodology. It contains four main stages: clarifying the analytical focus; mapping policy and planning documents; analyzing macro discourse, which includes critical textual analysis, text-type analysis, and intertextuality analysis, and, at last, the fourth phase, interpretation within the institutional context. It provides a tool for researchers less familiar with linguistics but interested in performing discourse analysis to understand the integration of environmental narratives within policy and spatial planning.

Analysis and Prediction of Water Balance Using Dynamic Modelling to Solve Water Scarcity in Cimahi

Cimahi is one of the most populated, fast-growing cities in Indonesia. Consequently, various environmental problems appear, primarily related to the sustainability of water resources. Exploitation and pollution of water, especially groundwater, are not accompanied by a good water conservation system that ensures proper water infiltration into the soil, causing several locations in the city to experience water deficits. The city may suffer a severe water shortage if this problem is unsolved. This study aims to predict and analyze the need and availability of water in Cimahi in the next few years to determine the right solution to deal with this problem. Analysis and prediction of water availability/needs were carried out by building a dynamic model using STELLA software for simulating the conditions in the next ten years. The results of the model were combined with the applicable spatial policies to formulate possible solutions. Results showed that Cimahi will experience a water crisis starting from 2029 with a total water deficit of 8.22 million M³. The model also predicted South Cimahi District is the area with the worst conditions where the water crisis has occurred since 2022 and peaked in 2029 with water sufficiency of only 59.83%. Based on local spatial planning laws and policies, the city's government is advised to improve its catchment area to protect its water resources. The vegetation cover area surrounding the catchment area can be improved, and water absorption capacity can be increased through civil technical actions such as building absorption wells. The model results showed that a proper solution could be done by expanding 142.8 Ha of green/vegetation cover, building 1576 units of absorption wells, and increasing the PDAM supply by 100 l/second.

Architectural Model using Local Initiative of Kampung Lere Fishermen after the Tsunami Disaster

The Kampung Lere is located in the earthquake and tsunami-prone route. It makes the area prone to earthquake-tsunami disasters, such as on September 28, 2018. Then, the government makes mitigation and conducts studies, also establishing spatial planning policies such as maps. Zoning of disaster-prone areas with the criteria of a red zone (not to be inhabited), a yellow zone, and a green zone. This condition then impacted the Lere fisherman community, which entered the red zone area. At the same time, many people were affected by the tsunami and did not want to move to permanent housing. The Lere fisherman community, after the tsunami, still choose a local initiative to manage space where they have occupied the area for generations. Detailed identification of the space is carried out to solve the problem. The study of related policies and in-depth interviews to obtain accurate data and information was then processed into a formula to be used as a benchmark in formulating design directions based on the local initiative of the fishermen of The Kampung Lere. The architectural design development model in the Lere area will later be able to bridge the government’s problems as a policymaker and the desire of the fishermen of Lere Village for the right to manage the space. The results of this study recommend an architectural model for residential that provides opportunities for the people of Lere to continue their activities in the area and still consider the element of safety in the development process as well as strategies for realizing the architectural model.

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: EVALUATION OF SPATIAL PLANNING REGENCY/MUNICIPALITY IN WEST JAVA PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Spatial planning performance indicators are related to sustainability. This approach combines quantitative and qualitative data to see the sustainability of regional spatial planning based on land and policies. This study aims to: (1) Analysis of the sustainable development index (IPB) and (2) Analysis of causal conditions of spatial planning performance assessment per regencies/municipalities based on IPB. The approach used is IPB, geographic information system, multi-value qualitative comparative analysis and literature study. The highest score of IPB is Bandung Municipality. The income per capita, education and welfare of the Municipality of Bandung are higher than in other regions. Considering the distribution of IPB scores and their constituent variables, subsequent analysis shows the need to differentiate between regencies and municipalities. Regional sustainability in this regency offers high compatibility between spatial planning policies and forest area status policies have extensive vegetation cover and small land-use diversity. Whereas in urban areas, it shows the opposite. This article can answer the sustainability of spatial planning policies and differentiate between regencies and municipalities—the use of mvQCA is a new approach to spatial planning evaluation.

Obstacles to urban redevelopment in squatter settlements: The role of the informal housing market

Formation of an informal housing market in a squatter settlement stratifies the inhabitants into social classes within the settlement. By focusing on different interests among de facto housing tenure, this study demonstrates that the informal housing market is an obstacle to the redevelopment of squatter settlements. Our research is based on an extensive quantitative and qualitative survey of two squatter settlements in Buenos Aires and seeks to better understand inhabitants' preferences for spatial planning policies. This study highlights that urban redevelopment of squatter settlements would contradict the existing informal housing market. The importance of this research lies in understanding the numerous conflicts of interests surrounding housing tenure in the informal housing market, which needs to be resolved prior to carrying out urban redevelopment in squatter settlements.

Measuring urban ecological network resilience: A disturbance scenario simulation method

Human disturbance of urban ecosystems is intensifying, as is ecological fragmentation. As such, effective connections between green spaces must be established and restored to form structurally resilient urban ecological networks. In this study, we focused on indicators of city-scale ecological network resilience. We constructed a network model, analyzed the disturbance simulation results, and identified key nodes. Shenzhen, a megacity in China was selected for empirical research. First, we used Floyd algorithm to extract least-cost paths and then generate the corridor network, constructing an ecological network model with 386 nodes and 4910 edges. Second, focusing on the nodes of the constructed ecological network, we adopted a selected attack strategy to conduct dynamic simulations, using two parameters, network efficiency and maximum connectivity, to evaluate the resilience of the ecological network to changes under various disturbance scenarios. The results showed that the ecological network structure in the study area was relatively stable, and the first 30 % of nodes substantially impacted network resilience. The outcomes reflect the state of urban ecosystems that have been disturbed by socio-economic systems and are practically important for formulating adaptive spatial planning and management policies.

From territorial capital to regional design: a multidimensional model for territorial analysis and scenario evaluation

ABSTRACT Territorial capital is a policy concept that emphasizes the endogenous development and regional competitiveness of particular territories, calling for place-based territorial approaches and greater convergence between spatial planning and regional development policies. However, spatial thinking and imaging are still missing when this concept is applied. This paper introduces a multidimensional assessment model that foregrounds the spatial dimension of territorial capital and enables integration and visualisation of decision-supporting data in planning processes. Taking Sintra’s region, Portugal, as a case study, the model helps to consider regional development in spatial planning’s strategic visioning as it sets the ground for regional design approaches.

Barn or building lot? A cross-case comparison viewing the role of agricultural interests in Austria’s local spatial planning processes

Due to ongoing urbanisation processes, farmland and the number of farms in Europe are declining. In the regions affected, spatial planning plays a substantial role in securing agricultural production requirements. The extent to which planning decision-makers actually consider agricultural interests, however, has been little investigated so far. Based on two Austrian case studies, this paper explores the presence of agricultural interests within local spatial planning as well as potential preconditions for their perception and implementation.A systematic case study selection through a weighted linear combination (WLC) brought up the two agro-structurally contrasting municipalities Aderklaa and Leopoldsdorf, located at the Viennese city border. Problem-centred interviews with 27 local spatial planning actors, supplemented by the analysis of planning documents, provided insights into the local spatial planning processes. The Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework served as the conceptual basis for the qualitative data analysis and the subsequent cross-case comparison.Aderklaa has preserved its rural characteristics in the past decades. Almost 90 % of the municipal area is used as farmland; there are about 25 farms in the village of 196 inhabitants. Leopoldsdorf, on the other hand, experienced an urbanisation of its former village structure. Farmland makes up 50 % of Leopoldsdorf’s area. The municipality has 5230 inhabitants; three farms still exist today. Regarding the integration of agricultural interests into local spatial planning, the municipalities show significant differences: While Aderklaa aligns its spatial planning policy to a large extent with the interests of local farmers, this is not the case in Leopoldsdorf. The study was able to identify the political commitment of local farmers as crucial for the integration of agricultural interests into local spatial planning and to confirm the impact of spatial planning decisions on agriculture.

ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL MANAGEMENT IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING (CASE STUDY: MEDAN CITY)

Spatial planning is an area pattern created or built based on planning, aiming to develop a sustainable spatial design. This study aims to analyze the spatial way of Medan City and its relation to regional development planning. This study uses an empirical juridical method using data from government agencies and literature studies. The results of this study include Medan City spatial planning is regulated in Medan City Regional Regulation No. 13 of 2011 concerning Medan City's regional spatial plan for 2011-2031 and Medan City's Regional Regulation No. 2 of 2015 regarding detailed spatial planning and Medan City zoning regulations for 2015-2035. Spatial planning depends on structural components and space utilization patterns arranged in spatial planning. Spatial planning in Medan City cannot be equated with other cities. The future spatial planning policy is a public policy that must be transparent and fair and accommodate the interests of various levels of society so that the community's involvement as development actors in the planning, utilization, and control of space is necessary. Spatial management in the city of Medan must combine structural and non-structural so that the city's objectives will achieve spatial planning.Keywords: Spatial Planning, Planning, Regional Development, Medan City

Quantifying the Relationship between Land Use Intensity and Ecosystem Services' Value in the Hanjiang River Basin: A Case Study of the Hubei Section.

An increased land use intensity due to rapid urbanization and socio-economic development would alter the structure and function of regional ecosystems and cause prominent environmental problems. Revealing the impact of land use intensity on ecosystem services (ES) would provide guidance for more informed decision making to promote the sustainable development of human and natural systems. In this study, we selected the Hanjiang River Basin (HRB) in Hubei Province (China) as our study area, explored the correlation between land use intensity and ecosystem Services’ Value (ESV), and investigated impacts of natural and socio-economic factors on ESV variations based on the Geographical Detector Model (GDM) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). The results show that (1) from 2000 to 2020, land use intensity in HRB generally showed an upward trend, with a high spatial agglomeration in the southeast and low in the northwest; (2) the total ESV increased from 295.56 billion CNY in 2000 to 296.93 billion CNY in 2010, and then decreased to 295.63 CNY in 2020, exhibiting an inverted U-shaped trend, with regulation services contributing the most to ESV; (3) land use intensity and ESV had a strong negative spatial correlation, with LH (low land use intensity vs. high ESV) aggregations mainly distributed in the northwest, whereas HL (high land use intensity vs. low ESV) aggregations were located in the southeast; (4) natural factors, including annual mean temperature, the percentage of forest land, and slope were positively associated with ESV, while socio-economic factors, including GDP and population density, were negatively associated with ESV. To achieve the coordinated development of the socio-economy and the environment, ES should be incorporated into spatial planning and socio-economic development policies.

The form-based development plan: bridging the gap between theory and practice in urban morphology

The format of local development plans and site-specific guidance tends to be based on land-use allocations rather than physical form. This approach has serious limitations, especially when dealing with urban design issues. A solution is available in a format that takes the outline of physical form as its starting point with land use as a subsidiary consideration. This approach can be incorporated into spatial planning policy. Furthermore, urban design principles imply perimeter block structures whose approximate sizes are largely predetermined and can be incorporated in site-specific guidance. This paper draws attention to innovation in planning practice in Britain and a particular example is described in detail. Local spatial policy for the town of Chelmsford made physical implications explicit. Planning briefs identifying both the perimeter block form and the location and character of the urban spaces were successful in improving the standard of design of new development.

Ruimte, regie, roeping

Dutch spatial planning flourished after the World War II until the nineties. Then, neoliberal politics took over: the government withdraw from its directing and controlling involvement and left spatial development to the ‘market’. In reaction to several serious problems that were not solved by the market, a new government started spring 2022 with the ambition to reclaim spatial planning policy and provide all citizens with sufficient and affordable housing. This article urges churches and congregations to get involved in the upcoming redevelopment of the Dutch landscape by actively participating in citizens collectives for spatial planning with their theological texts and practices.

Identification of Metropolitan Area Boundaries Based on Comprehensive Spatial Linkages of Cities: A Case Study of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region

As a regional management unit to solve "urban diseases,” metropolitan areas are gradually attracting widespread attention. How to objectively and accurately delineate the boundaries of a metropolitan area is the primary prerequisite for carrying out targeted studies and precisely formulating regional planning measures. However, the existing methods for delineating metropolitan area boundaries have problems, such as high data acquisition costs, subjectivity, and a single perspective of urban linkage. To address the above problems, we propose a “bottom-up” approach to metropolitan area boundary delineation based on urban comprehensive spatial linkages. We used only publicly available data to construct a directionally weighted network of urban spatial linkages, and applied community detection algorithms to delineate metropolitan area boundaries. Taking the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region as a case study area, the method’s validity was confirmed. The results showed the following: (1) Eight metropolitan areas were delineated within the region, with two types of metropolitan areas: “Inter-municipal” and “single-city”. (2) The overall accuracy of the delineation results reached 83.41%, which is highly consistent with their corresponding isochrone maps. (3) Most metropolitan areas were observed to have an obvious “central–peripheral” structure, with only the JingJinLang metropolitan area being a polycentric mature metropolitan area, whereas the other metropolitan areas remained in the initial stage of development, with Zhangjiakou and Chengde not yet having formed metropolitan areas. This study’s methodology highlights the basic criteria of “inter-city spatial linkage” as the foundation for boundary delineation, avoiding the inaccuracy caused by the subjective selection of boundary thresholds, and can also accurately determine the developmental stage and internal spatial structure of metropolitan areas. Our method can provide new perspectives for regional boundary delineation and spatial planning policy formulation.

Planning and coordinated response mechanism of economic and ecological services in urban expansion

Against the backdrop of urban sustainable development around the world, how to coordinate both economic growth and ecological benefits in urban space becomes an important problem. Therefore, this study simulated and predicted the spatiotemporal changes in urban economy and ecosystem service value (E.S.V.) equivalent ratio under the current policies by 2030, and analysed how adjusting planning policies influences economy and ecology. This process was based on the future land use simulation (F.L.U.S.) model of coupled neural network, and on methods assessing the spatial changes in ecosystem services and land economy. This study aims to analyse urban land economy and E.S.V., and assess how China’s land spatial planning guides and promotes high-quality urban economic development. Results show that artificial intelligence (A.I.) simulation can forecast the results of spatial planning policies of national lands, to make policy-making more forward-looking. The guidance of planning policies on urban expansion accelerates the increase in economic value of urban residential and commercial lands, thereby promoting the economic growth. However, adjusted planning policies may lead to ecological destruction. So, this study provides model verifications and path guidance to realise coordinated sustainable development between economy and ecology, serving as an important reference to formulating proper policies for urban development.

Methodology for Identifying Ecological Corridors: A Spatial Planning Perspective

Recent studies carried out by landscape and urban ecologists have shown that habitat fragmentation has negative environmental effects and is accountable for the loss of biodiversity. The development and extension of road infrastructure to support economic growth, the urbanization and the land-use changes are major drivers of habitat fragmentation. Planners have attempted to develop tools for restoring connectivity and stopping biodiversity loss at the landscape scale and which can be applied at the urban scale, too. The study fills in the gap by developing a methodology for identifying the ecological corridors of a Romanian large carnivore (brown bear) in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains at several spatial scales. The methodology relies on geospatial data; this is equally its most important advantage and challenge. Our findings suggest that the implementation of ecological corridors in current planning practice must be completed cautiously, provided the possible restrictions are imposed on economic activities by plans, and highlight the importance of field data in increasing the scientific soundness of the results. In addition, the findings show the need to interconnect spatial planning policies with environmental policies by improving the actual legislation.

Land-Use Optimization Based on Ecosystem Service Value: A Case Study of Urban Agglomeration around Poyang Lake, China

The optimal allocation of land use is a promising approach to achieving the sustainable use of land resources, to weigh ecological protection and economic development. The urban agglomeration around Poyang Lake is a crucial plate for implementing the spatial planning policy of the national urban agglomeration and supporting the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Based on the ecosystem service value (ESV), we utilize the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR), the gray multi-objective planning (GMOP) and the future land-use simulation (FLUS) model to optimize the quantitative structure and spatial pattern of the land use in 2030. The present study designs four scenarios of baseline development (BD), ecological conservation (EC), economic priority (EP) and coordinated development (CD) to discuss how to optimize land-use allocation while considering ecological security and economic development. The result suggests that the land-use structure and spatial layout in the CD_scenario are relatively reasonable, and the overall eco-economic benefits and landscape pattern levels are better than those of the other three scenarios. Additionally, the ecological security and landscape pattern indices are optimized, landscape fragmentation decreases and aggregation degree increases. This study is instructive to promote the sustainable development of urban agglomeration and land spatial planning.

The 15-Minute City—The Geographical Proximity of Services in Krakow

The discussion about 15-minute cities (also referred to as cities of short distances) has gained considerable momentum in the last decade. Thanks to the optimal spatial layout of these urban areas, their residents can meet most or all of their day-to-day needs within a short walk or a bicycle ride from their place of residence. This is especially important in the context of problems currently faced by most large agglomerations worldwide, the negative externalities caused by predominantly motorised transport and inappropriate spatial planning policies that entail substantial environmental and technical infrastructure outlays. The concept of spatial proximity to services played a key role in the empirical part of the present study, where Krakow’s layout was analysed in detail from the perspective of a 15-minute city. Krakow is a resident-friendly, inclusive city created primarily with local communities in mind. However, certain design flaws in terms of spatial proximity to services prompted us to reconsider how its specific spatial components operate. To achieve the study’s goal—a comprehensive assessment of Krakow as a 15-minute city—we proposed several solutions that can be made universally adaptable for other urban areas striving to meet the short distance criteria.

Implementation Model of Regional Spatial Planning Policy in Realizing Sustainable City Development in Banjar City

The main problems in this study are directed at the model of the implementation of the Regional Spatial Planning policy in practice has not run effectively in realizing sustainable urban development in Banjar City. The research method used by researchers is descriptive analysis, while the type of approach used in this study is qualitative. Descriptive analysis method aims to describe complex social reality by applying concepts that have been developed in social science / public administration. Whereas the qualitative approach was chosen with the consideration that this approach is expected to obtain true data and be able to examine research problems in depth so that the expected results can be obtained. The results of the study can be stated that there are factors that lead to the implementation of the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) policy in realizing sustainable city development in Banjar City can run effectively, namely Policy standards and objectives, Resources and incentives, The quality of inter-organizational relationship , The characteristics of implementation agencies, the economic, social and political environment and the 'dispositon' or response of the implementers. However, based on the results of the research, these factors have not been entirely effective. The factors that have not been implemented effectively are the Policy standards and objectives and the "dispositon" or response of the implementers. Therefore there are still problems faced with regard to the Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW) policy, so that it has not been able to provide the best way to regulate, make the best use of spatial planning in the region by considering the level of needs, especially the development sector in urban areas. Disamaping also the results of the study suggest that there is a model in implementing the Regional Spatial Plan policy in realizing sustainable city development in Banjar City, namely synthesis / hybrid models by elaborating the interests of the Central Government, Provincial and Community Participation. This means that the RTRW policy both in planning and in its implementation elaborates by involving the Central Government, West Java Province and the participation of the Banjar City community. Although the policy is decentralized, the central and provincial governments still have a stake in controlling and overseeing the policies of the regional layout plan in realizing sustainable urban development in Banjar City.

Food Retail Network Spatial Matching and Urban Planning Policy Implications: The Case of Beijing, China

Food is the core of urban daily life and socio-economic activities but is rarely the focus of urban planning. The spatial layout of food retail outlets is important for optimizing the urban food system, improving land resource allocation, and encouraging healthy food consumption. Based on food retail POI data, this study employed kernel density estimation, road network centrality, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and locational entropy to analyze the spatial characteristics of supermarkets, produce markets, and small stores in an urban center in Beijing, and explored street coupling and supply-demand matching. The results indicated that within the study area: (1) supermarkets had an obvious “core-periphery” distribution, produce markets had a polycentric distribution, and small stores had a relatively uniform distribution; (2) road network centrality indices revealed a differentiated multi-core-edge distribution; (3) streets with high locational entropy values for supermarkets and produce markets were mostly concentrated in the central area, whereas the matching distribution of small stores was relatively balanced. From the perspective of urban planning, policy implications are proposed based on spatial and social equity, urban-rural differences, population structure and distribution status, and a resilient supply chain. The study findings have practical significance for guiding the development of urban food systems in a healthy, just, and sustainable direction, as well as rational urban land planning.

Environmental Carrying Capacity for Spatial Planning of Lemo Sub-Watershed, North Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Environmental carrying capacity is frequently used to describe environmental resilience against natural resource utilization. The Lemo Sub-watershed (DAS) in North Barito Regency, Indonesia, is highly vulnerable to pressure from businesses and activities using the natural resources in coal mining, forestry, and plantations. The objective of this study was to quantify the environmental carrying capacity of the Lemo sub-watershed based on the land and water capacity. The status of environmental carrying capacity obtained in this study would then be employed to develop regional spatial planning policies to protect and manage the environment in the watershed. The land capability was determined using a spatial method based on geographic information systems. The land carrying capacity was measured using total local commodity production data and decent living needs. Furthermore, water availability was obtained using the coefficient of land use runoff and annual rainfall data. In contrast, the water demand was calculated from the conversion results to the needs for a decent living. The spatial analysis results showed that the Lemo sub-watershed with 54,810 ha has 8 land capability classes. The suitability evaluation showed a mismatch between land use and land capability, where 6.68% of the Lemo sub-watershed area was not suitable for the spatial pattern plan of the regency (SPPR), 45.65% was not in line with the SPPR outline policy. The land carrying capacity status showed a deficit, where the land requirement was 43,484 ha compared to land availability based on the total agricultural commodity production with an area of 6,765 ha. However, the status of the Lemo sub-watershed carrying capacity becomes a surplus when the land availability refers to the North Barito Regency SPPRSP Map with a 53,005 ha for cultivation areas. Results of the study imply it is still possible to utilize natural resources in the Lemo sub-watershed further.