Since its foundation the European Union has gradually developed policies that are aimed at achieving increased economic and social cohesion. This book examines the most recent of these, the concept of territorial cohesion. Territorial cohesion is the pursuit of balanced development, competitiveness, sustainable development, and good governance. These concerns are most readily addressed by the formulation of spatial strategies under the umbrella of spatial planning, that brings together a multitude of public and private actors in a process that requires cohesion, coherence and co-operation. This book traces the development of spatial planning at European level and argues that spatial planning can become a vehicle, not only for territorial cohesion, but for EU policy generally.
Table of Contents:
Preface Introduction Part 1: The Launch Era 1. Planners Going International 2. Dashed Expectations Part 2: In the Doldrums 3. Indirect Approach 4. A European Planning Programme Part 3: The Boom Era 5. The Trailblazers 6. Delors and the Consequences 7. The Mother Document 8. The Learning Machine Part 4: Crisis 9. Renewed Effort 10. At the Crossroads 11. Conclusions: If European Planning has a Future, then it is Soft. Epilogue
About the Author :
Andreas Faludi is Professor of Spatial Policy Systems in Europe, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands.
Review :
"This is a book not only for planners interested in the future fate of spatial planning as a pan-European activity, but also for policy analysts who will be able to see the role of states and individuals in building a policy agenda." – The Royal Town Planning Institute
"In his writing Andreas Faludi emerges as a real story-teller who knows to inspire his audience by means of his own fascination. Its fluid style combined with its detailed account of actors and events are particularly useful for making the book accessible to a non-academic readership." – Academy for Spatial Research and Planning
"In this much needed text, the outstanding capacity of Faludi is how succinctly he addresses the pivotal European events that prompted the realization of economic networks on one side, and the bringing forward of a narrative based on a continuum of the mechanisms that the territorial question brings along on the other. Rich in empirical evidence, Faludi gives an accurate account of the history behind what can be understood as the first idea of territorial cohesion...." – Urban Research & Practice
"As you would expect, Faludi has delivered a well-crafted and well-written book, which will be a welcome addition to the library of anyone interested in European spatial planning - past, present or future." – Environment and Planning B: Planning & Design
"It is a telling depiction of how spaces are constructed socially and how they can be addressed in policy and planning. The book is particularly apt for an academic audience looking for a concise, accessible, and comprehensive account of European spatial planning and cohesion policy. Furthermore the book can be enlightening for practitioners who are engaging in any kind of transnational or transboundary cooperation effort, especially in Europe." - Markus Leibenath, Journal of Planning Education and Research
