Rückkehr der grossen Pläne?: Ergebnisse eines internationalen Workshops in Wien [1]

Are the great plans returning? This question was addressed by an international group of urban researchers dedicated to the regular study of the changing nature of planning. The workshop referred to a survey of recent urban development concepts, and particularly on the strategic plan of Vienna. The major findings were the following: (i) A large number of “great plans” have indeed been put up recently—they differ considerably, however, regarding the contents, structure, practical force, etc. (ii) There are many different reasons to pass in review comprehensive spatial planning. (iii) Today's plans differ remarkably from their predecessors of the 1970's, some of the distinguishing features being a stronger focus on implementation, a distinctly economic orientation, emphasis on cooperative planning procedures, and the use of the plans as a means of communication with the public. Looking ahead, spatial planning is in urgent need of addressing the processes of demographic and economic shrinking. This phenomenon...