SHAPING REGIONAL FUTURES TOWARD SUSTAINABLE TRANSITIONS: COMMUNITY INVOLVMENT IN VISIONING AND IMPLEMENTATION

Organizers

Verena Balz, Delft University of Technology
Cristina Cavaco, University of Lisbon
Valeria Lingua, University of Florence

Presenters

Anca Ioana Forgaci, Delft University of Technology
Anke Hagemann, Technische Universität Berlin
Tihomir Vinderman, BTU Cottbus
Fabio Bayro Kaiser, RWTH Aachen University
Giuseppe De Luca, University of Florence
Cristina Cavaco, University of Lisbon
Müge Yorgancı Ozar, Istanbul Planning Agency
Chiara Fratini, Technical University of Denmark

In an era of accelerating global change, cities and regions face interconnected challenges, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable energy transitions,  the shift toward a post-carbon circular economy, all while addressing persistent socioeconomic disparities and spatial vulnerabilities. These challenges demand approaches that balance long-term strategic visions with the immediate demands of place-based community development and daily wellbeing. 

This special session aims to explore how strategic territorial and spatial planning can respond to these demands. By focusing on methods such as regional design, visioning, foresight, and other participatory practices of spatial imagination, the session emphasizes transformative actions for fostering resilient, equitable, and sustainable futures. Contributions will examine strategic and territorial practices in European and non-European cities and regions, addressing at least two of the following themes:

Futures in sustainable transition planning: Visioning and design practices provide fertile ground for new transition narratives and spatial imaginaries, enabling stakeholders to articulate how metropolitan areas and other regions might evolve. Rethinking spatial futures allows policymaking to adapt to the emerging needs of urban and rural societies undergoing rapid structural change: Which future is envisioned for the region? For whom is the transition relevant? What is its true focus beyond abstract ambitions such as greening, justice, and energy transition? Contributions should elaborate on how transition narratives are constructed and applied in sustainability transition planning and policymaking.

Communities in sustainable transition planning: For sustainability transition policies and plans to succeed, they must address territorial specificities and mobilise commitment from communities most vulnerable to transitional challenges. Multi-level governance, including active and direct social involvement of citizens and communities, is an essential component of EU, national, regional, and local place-based policymaking for just sustainability transitions. Participation fosters trust in government and reduces the risk of social unrest, which could otherwise slow or halt progress towards sustainability. Contributions should elaborate on how visioning and design practices facilitate community participation and bridge top-down and bottom-up dynamics in spatial planning and place-based policymaking.

Operational regional design approaches: Driving sustainbility transitions requires bridging the gap between visioning and implementation by identifying pilot actions, pivotal game changers, and execution mechanisms that foster innovation and resilience in metropolitan and other regions. These approaches include embracing digital technologies, advancing ecological solutions, and promoting socioeconomic equity within regional planning and design: How do strategic plans and policies address these changes? Which role have the Cohesion and Next Generation EU policies played in enabling and providing resources and strategic directions to support transformative efforts? Contributions should elaborate on how regional design approaches are implemented, highlighting their potential to translate visions into actionable endeavours for just sustainability transition.

Key words: Regional design, visioning, sustainability transition, transition narratives, citizen / community participation, policy implementation