Module Objectives

The aim of the course is:

i) to present the basic theories, approaches, tools and institutions of planning for spatial development,
ii) to explain the basic concepts of strategic spatial planning (collective action, institutions, governance, social innovation and sustainable development, power structures and power relations, exclusion, ethics),
iii) to study the spatial “commitments” and “possibilities” as they arise from the Greek, European and international framework,
iv) to approach spatial development in a comprehensive way, and consequently, unequal geographical development and socio-spatial justice,
v) to understand the multiple and interrelated scales of planning and spatial development,
vi) to critically approach the practices of both state and international organizations as well as the market and various bottom-up and grassroots social groups as they are expressed through their effort to “(re)claim space” or “(re)common space”,
vii) to discuss the relationship between spatial planning and social and environmental questions with an emphasis on prevention and recovery after “natural” and man-made disasters,
viii) present and comment on the use of new technologies/digitalization and their contribution to spatial development.

Course Content

• Basics of Strategic Spatial Planning
• Strategic Spatial Planning for sustainable development
• Institutional aspects of planning
• Participatory/Collaborative/Advocacy planning
• Co-production and co-implementation in planning and development
• Urban sustainable development and social sustainability
• Post-disaster recovery planning and redevelopment
• Social design in refugee camps
• Housing financialization and urban development
• Housing advocacy and urban planning and (re)development
• Spaces of social innovation
• Spatial planning for social innovation
• Commoning and municipalism
• Digitalization and urban development

Teaching and Assessment

Series of lectures held by the module leader and a wide network of scientists, researchers and practitioners from Greece and abroad. Assessment is based on written assignments and seminar presentations during the semester.