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/ 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

To be filled as the project evolves

Gothenburg, Sweden

To be filled as the project evolves

Palermo, Italy

To be filled as the project evolves