Cities Insights

The following Cities Insights are based on the suggestions of the InPlaLabs Network Memebers, as edited by the InPlaLabs Core Team.

As the project develops, more cities will be added!

Athens, Greece

In Athens, Greece, urban planning relies on several key quantitative data sources that provide insights into demographics, land use, and regional tourism. The Hellenic Statistical Authority (https://www.statistics.gr/), also known as ELSTAT, supplies comprehensive data on socioeconomic and demographic aspects essential for city planning and resource allocation. Additionally, the Ktimatologio land registry database https://www.ktimatologio.gr/ offers detailed information on property boundaries, land use, and ownership, serving as a critical resource for spatial planning efforts. In addition, valuable island-specific data can be found in the Laboratory of local & insular development and the Aegean Sustainable Tourism Observatory (https://tourismobservatory-n.ba.aegean.gr/), which focus on tourism and regional statistics for the Greek islands, which are instrumental in integrated planning for coastal and remote regions.

Regarding some key academic and scientific literature sources for integrated spatial planning in Athens, the Athens Social Atlas (https://www.athenssocialatlas.gr/en/) provides a nuanced understanding of the city’s social landscape, offering data and analysis on a variety of social issues relevant to the region. Similarly, Attikipedia (https://attikipedia.sadas-pea.gr/) serves as a valuable resource for exploring the historical and geographical dimensions of the Attica region, giving urban planners context to guide their strategies. Also, Aeichoros is probably the oldest Greek planning journal, while GEOGRAPHIES is a critical geography Greek journal welcoming articles relevant to urban studies and planning issues.

Various organizations play a central role in supporting integrated urban planning efforts across Athens. The Greek Planners Association (SEPOX) (https://sepox.gr/en/identity-of-association/) represents professionals in the field and advocates for sustainable and effective urban planning practices that can be supplemented perfectly by sustainable transportation initiatives promoted by the Hellenic Institute of Transportation Engineers. The Municipality of Athens, as the primary local government authority, oversees the city’s development and public services. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment and Energy shapes urban planning through its policies on environmental protection, energy, and climate action, significantly impacting city planning initiatives towards a more sustainable future. Finally, there are various NGOs focused on urbanism and sustainability issues. Perhaps the most relevant one is participatory LAB (https://en.participatorylab.org/) which is an active interdisciplinary community that studies, documents, learns, disseminates, and applies participatory design processes for public space, with the aim of adapting cities to climate change.

Insights from local professionals reveal a commitment to sustainable urban planning and a human-centered approach to development. The city has implemented Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans that emphasize accessibility and sustainable transport solutions. Some planners are dedicated to urban farming and food production within the city, reflecting a shift toward integrating nature into urban spaces. Finally, it should be noted that there is a holistic approach to planning, with professionals promoting ethical, environmentally conscious practices that prioritize community needs and foster both ecological and social well-being.

Nicosia, Cyprus

Urban planning in Nicosia, Cyprus, relies on key quantitative data sources that provide critical insights into the city's demographics, land use, and infrastructure. The Cyprus Statistical Service (CYSTAT) (https://www.cystat.gov.cy/en/default) offers comprehensive socioeconomic and demographic data, including population trends, employment statistics, and housing data, which are essential for resource allocation and planning. The Department of Lands and Surveys (https://portal.dls.moi.gov.cy/en/) complements this with cadastral data on property ownership, zoning, and land use, which is vital for spatial management. The Nicosia Municipality's platform enhances these resources by offering spatial data on zoning, infrastructure, and urban management, alongside information on the city’s history, landmarks, and green spaces.

Academic contributions significantly shape integrated urban planning efforts in Nicosia. Scholarly articles in Journals such as Urban Studies and Cities often publish research articles that analyze Nicosia's unique urban challenges, such as spatial segregation, the socio-political impact of urban borders, and sustainable mobility, providing evidence-based insights for decision-making. These resources are accessible via databases like JSTOR or ScienceDirect. Reports such as the Nicosia Integrated Mobility Master Plan (NIMMP) and the Nicosia Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (https://sustainablemobility.cy/en/studies/ολοκληρωμένο-σχέδιο-κινητικότητας-λ/), document the integrated planning efforts, focusing on bi-communal cooperation, urban regeneration, and sustainable mobility practices.

Organizations also play a pivotal role in advancing integrated urban planning in Nicosia. The Nicosia Municipality serves as the primary local authority responsible for urban development and public service management, while the Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK) plays an advisory role, promoting sustainable planning and engineering practices. The Cyprus Association of Town Planners (CATP) supports urban planning standards and professionals, and the Ministry of Transport facilitates initiatives like the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) to enhance mobility and contribute to the green transition. Together, these resources and organizations support a holistic and inclusive approach to integrated planning in Nicosia.

An example of integrated planning in action is the Pedieos Linear Park master plan. This project involves a collaborative effort between the municipalities of Nicosia, Strovolos, and Lakatamia to transform the Pedieos River corridor into a green, accessible urban space prioritizing biodiversity, active mobility, and community recreation. Part of the Integrated Spatial Development Strategy for Urban Nicosia (2021–2027), the project aims to serve as a "green axis," connecting neighborhoods and improving ecological and recreational opportunities. Additionally, it integrates into Nicosia's broader sustainable mobility framework, enhancing connectivity for walking and cycling. This initiative underscores Nicosia's commitment to sustainable urban development, demonestrating how integrated planning can balance urban development with ecological preservation and improve quality of life for residents. Such practices highlight Nicosia's shift towards sustainable urban development.

Gothenburg, Sweden

In Gothenburg, Sweden, urban planning relies on several key quantitative data sources. Lantmateriet (https://www.lantmateriet.se/en/geodata/our-products/open-data/) supplies open geographical data and data on land properties for all Sweden. National roads database (https://www.nvdb.se/sv) provides geodata on roads and streets, including detailed transportation data. Ready-made or customized data packages can be downloaded through Lastkajen (https://www.nvdb.se/sv/kund/hamta-data-pa-lastkajen/). Population statistics for the whole Sweden can be acquired from Statistics Sweden at SCB.se (https://www.scb.se/en/services/open-data-api/ ). With respect to contemporary planning developments in Gothenburg, this information is available on the website of Gothenburg City Planning office, including digital comprehensive plan of Gothenburg (https://oversiktsplan.goteborg.se/ ) and information about current detail plans (https://goteborg.se/wps/portal/start/goteborg-vaxer/sa-planeras-staden/detaljplanering/hitta-gallande-detaljplaner). There is also a portal in Gothenburg City Planning Office where one can download all building permits, including all floor plans and situation plans (https://goteborg.se/wps/portal/start/bygga-bo-och-leva-hallbart/bygga-riva-och-forandra/stadsbyggnadsforvaltningens-kundservice/bestall-allmanna-handlingar-stadsbyggnadsforvaltningen/formular-bestall-arkiverade-bygghandlingar ). The Swedish National Database (https://snd.se/en) hosts different datasets created within academic and research institutions, that can be accessed directly or on demand.

As a part of the Spatial Morphology Lab project conducted in 2015-2018 at Chalmers university (https://smog.chalmers.se/projects/spatial-morphology-lab/) by the Spatial Morphology Group SMoG (https://smog.chalmers.se/) GIS models of Gothenburg have been developed including non-motorised street networks (https://snd.se/en/catalogue/dataset/snd1153-1) and motorised street networks (https://snd.se/en/catalogue/dataset/snd1153-7). Available street models allow to conduct advanced space syntax and accessibility analysis for the city of Gothenburg. Further, a GIS-based time-model of Gothenburg developed by Spatial Morphology Group is openly available, with street network datasets covering a time period from 1960 to 2016 (https://snd.se/en/catalogue/dataset/snd1154-3).

With regards to academic resources, in Sweden, KTH university in Stockholm uses Diva as an open database for all publications ( https://kth.diva-portal.org/smash/search.jsf?dswid=-6467 ). At Chalmers university in Gothenburg, there is also an open database for all publications by Chalmers (https://research.chalmers.se/en/).

Various organizations play a central role in supporting integrated urban planning efforts in Gothenburg. The Municipality of Gothenburg, as the primary local government authority, oversees the city’s development and public services. The mission of Digital Twin Cities center (https://dtcc.chalmers.se/ ), established by Chalmers university, is to harness collective expertise, uniting diverse professionals to pioneer innovative methodologies in urban planning. Prioritizing the creation of a walkable city, densification, green infrastructure, pedestrian movement, and incorporating space syntax principles, the center seeks to revolutionize urban planning, design, architecture, and digital construction. Another organisation, Mistra Urban Futures envisions sustainable urbanisation where cities are accessible, green and fair and conducts the range of research projects with the focus on Gothenburg (https://www.mistraurbanfutures.org/en/lip/gothenburg ).

Palermo, Italy

In Palermo, Italy, integrated urban planning is informed by several important data sources that provide insights into demographics, land use, and city infrastructure. Istat, the Italian National Institute of Statistics (https://www.istat.it/), serves as a primary resource, offering comprehensive data on demographics and socioeconomic indicators essential for urban planning. The Municipality of Palermo shares open data held by the administration through the OpenData project (https://opendata.comune.palermo.it/), here one can find data and information regarding different aspects of the administration (green, culture and tourism, education, mobility, etc.). The City of Palermo also makes available technical documentation regarding on city planning (https://www.comune.palermo.it/amministrazione-trasparente.php?grp=3&lev=4&id=111). In parallel, there are two independent projects that provide an easy and intuitive reading of data on the city of Palermo: one is OpenData Sicilia (https://opendatasicilia.it/); the other is PalermoHub (https://palermohub.opendatasicilia.it/) a container of maps with advanced search and filtering capabilities that makes it easy and intuitive to search the maps on the Palermo area. About data concerning the environment, ISPRA, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, makes available various data at the national and regional level (https://indicatoriambientali.isprambiente.it/it).

Academic resources also contribute to planning efforts in Palermo. As part of the nomadic biennial Manifesta which arrived in Palermo in 2016, analysis and research work was done on the city by the Dutch architectural firm OMA. The results of this research were collected within a publication called Palermo Atlas (https://m12.manifesta.org/distributor-judi-poker-online-tertinggi-serta-bisa-dipercaya-pada-asia-2019/index.html). Another bibliographic source is Professor Maurizio Carta's book on the city of Palermo (https://sites.unipa.it//mcarta/LIBROPALERMO/LibroPalermo.html).

Several organizations are involved in Palermo's urban planning processes, working to address urban and community needs. Some of that are PUSH (https://www.wepush.org/), Mare Memoria Viva (https://www.marememoriaviva.it/), Sguardi Urbani (https://sguardiurbani.wordpress.com/), and Tu sei la Città (https://urbanperspective.eu/tuseilacitta/).

From our personal experience, as a Bond of union, we can suggest the Capo Neighborhood Atlas project (https://www.community-atlas.net/en/atlases/palermo.html) where a lot of information about the Capo neighborhood of Palermo is available, as well as community mapping.

Barcelona, Spain

In Barcelona, Spain, a variety of quantitative data sources support the city’s integrated planning initiatives, especially through geographic information system (GIS) portals that provide crucial spatial data such as. For instance, the CartoBCN portal (https://w20.bcn.cat/cartobcn/default.aspx?lang=en) offers city-specific geographic information, assisting planners with detailed spatial analysis. Additional GIS tools, such as the AMB Geoportal (https://geoportalcartografia.amb.cat/AppGeoportalCartografia2/index.html) and the Planejament Geoportal (https://geoportalplanejament.amb.cat/AppGeoportalPlanejament2/index.html), serve the broader metropolitan area, providing extensive mapping and spatial data crucial for regional planning. The Municipality Geoportal (https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/informaciourbanistica/cerca/en/) offers specialized data specifically for urban development, while the Barcelona Statistics portal (https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/estadistica/angles/Estadistiques_per_territori/index.htm) compiles statistical data across the city, informing decisions with neighborhood-level insights.

Several key organizations are integral to Barcelona’s urban development and planning efforts. The Municipal Institute of Urbanism (https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/instituturbanisme/es) leads these efforts locally, providing data, expertise, and policy direction for the city’s urban planning. The institute plays a central role in implementing integrated planning initiatives, working closely with city authorities and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive urban development.

Professionals in Barcelona emphasize an inclusive, community-centered approach to planning that respects the diverse needs of the city's residents. The emphasis on detailed spatial data and collaborative planning methods reflects a commitment to creating sustainable urban environments that prioritize accessibility, resilience, and adaptability in response to evolving city dynamics.

Paris, France

In Paris, France, integrated urban planning is supported by several key quantitative data sources that provide comprehensive insights into demographics, economics, and land use. The French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, or INSEE (https://www.insee.fr/en/accueil), supplies extensive data on socioeconomic and demographic indicators, which are foundational to effective city planning and resource allocation. Additionally, Geoportail (https://www.cadastre.gouv.fr/), an official online mapping service, offers cadastral information that includes property boundaries and land use data, essential for land management and urban development projects.

Academic resources also play a significant role in supporting urban planning in Paris. Metropolitiques (https://metropolitiques.eu/About-us.html), an academic journal focused on urban policy and social issues, provides planners with critical analyses and research on urban dynamics, contributing valuable perspectives to policy decisions. Another resource, CAIRN (https://shs.cairn.info/?lang=en), is an academic platform that hosts various journals and publications on social sciences, offering insights relevant to the broader context of urban planning and policy.

Several organizations are crucial to the development and management of urban planning projects in Paris. The Paris Urbanism Agency, known as APUR (https://www.apur.org/en), provides data, research, and analysis to support urban policy and development. APUR collaborates closely with city authorities to inform planning processes and strategic decision-making. Additionally, the Société Française des Urbanistes (https://www.urbaniste.com/), a professional association of urban planners in France, plays an advocacy role, promoting best practices and supporting professionals across the urban planning sector.

Insights from professionals in Paris reveal a focus on linking “soft” urban policies, such as social initiatives, with “hard” urban renewal efforts, particularly in social housing areas. This approach has shown promise in fostering community well-being by promoting local development initiatives that support health, culture, and employment in underserved areas. The blend of policy and development efforts highlights Paris’s commitment to inclusive urban renewal and the importance of addressing public service needs in both urban and rural communities.

Rome, Italy

In Rome, Italy, integrated urban planning is informed by several important data sources that provide insights into demographics, land use, and city infrastructure. Istat, the Italian National Institute of Statistics (https://www.istat.it/), serves as a primary resource, offering comprehensive data on demographics and socioeconomic indicators essential for urban planning. Additionally, the Roma Capitale Data Bank (https://dati.comune.roma.it/) provides city-specific data, accessible in a centralized digital format, allowing planners to view and analyze data related to Rome’s urban infrastructure and public services. MappaRoma (https://www.mapparoma.info/), a visual database, compiles and presents demographic and social data on Rome through detailed maps. This tool aids planners in understanding the city’s socioeconomic landscape, which helps guide policy and planning decisions in alignment with the specific needs of various neighborhoods.

Several organizations are involved in Rome’s urban planning processes, working together to address urban and community needs. The local municipalities are key actors, managing and implementing urban projects across the city's districts. Additionally, the Foundation Roma Periferia (https://www.periferiacapitale.org/), an organization focused on social and community issues, supports projects aimed at revitalizing and engaging the city’s peripheral neighborhoods.

Professionals in Rome bring valuable insights into the importance of participatory urban planning. Experimental projects in social housing neighborhoods, such as Corviale, Tor Bella Monaca, and Vigne Nuove, reflect an ongoing effort to include residents in the planning process. These initiatives focus on fostering community well-being and improving the quality of life in underserved areas, demonstrating Rome’s commitment to an inclusive approach in urban renewal and neighborhood development.

Sanliurfa, Turkey

In Sanliurfa, Turkey, urban planning relies on several quantitative data sources that provide spatial and planning-related information crucial for city development. The city’s Web GIS platform, Sanliurfa Web GIS (https://webgis.sanliurfa.bel.tr:81/KentrehberiApp/ImardurumuIndex), offers tools for assessing land use and zoning, providing planners with access to detailed maps and spatial data. Another essential resource, KEOS (https://keos.sanliurfa.bel.tr/keos/), supports spatial planning and urban management, enabling local authorities and planners to analyze geographic data for effective decision-making.

Professional insights reveal a focus on sustainability and regional planning in Sanliurfa. For instance, a planner presented a thesis at the ICSULA conference, proposing an open and green area system in Izmir as a model for climate adaptation, which could inform planning practices in Sanliurfa. The planner analyzed broader regional planning efforts and their impact on local objectives, emphasizing the role of integrated planning in promoting urban resilience. This experience highlights Sanliurfa’s commitment to aligning its urban development with sustainability and climate resilience, ensuring that urban spaces can adapt to environmental challenges.