This course aims at delineating spatial pattern interventions that can effectively manage natural, cultural
and human resources and infrastructure in order for sustainable development objectives to be attained.
More specifically, spatial planning, having as field of application the geographical space, attempts to
delimit, in a long-term horizon and a strategic level, those interventions that will ensure the transformation
of spatial structures towards a desired direction that is capable of: pursuing social, economic and
environmental goals; smoothing out sectoral conflicts; and ultimately ensuring long-term prosperity for
society as a whole.
The theoretical part of the course aims at getting insight into the basic theoretical planning concepts;
indulging into the steps of a planning process, as well as the means and tools used in each single step;
and delving into the legislative framework and its evolution through time. More specifically, the course
involves lectures on the following topics:
- Introduction - The concept of Planning in general and Spatial Planning in particular in seeking to achieve
sustainability objectives.
- Theoretical Approaches of Planning.
- Spatial Planning System - Definitions, hierarchical levels of decision-making.
- The Planning Process – Steps.
- Current state and dynamics of spatial systems – Indulging into and critically evaluating quantitative and
qualitative spatial data.
- Planning sustainable future states of spatial systems - Scenario analysis in Spatial Planning.
- The Concept of Evaluation in Spatial Planning.
- Developments of the Institutional Framework of Spatial Planning.
- The Environmental Dimension of Spatial Planning.
The applied part delves into the distinct methodological steps for conducting a spatial planning study.
These steps are implemented by means of a group-based project, conducted at the level of the regional
unit. The theme of this project varies each academic year. Spatial plans of various planning levels (national and regional) are also studied by the students; and are discussed in the applied part of the
course. Same holds for other policies / national strategies in order for insight to be broadened and
strategic directions at the national/regional level to be downscaled to the study region at hand.
- Teacher: Αναστασία Στρατηγέα
ECTS : 5
Language : el
Learning Outcomes : The learning outcomes to be achieved are as follows: - Understanding the role of spatial planning as a tool for developmental planning and Sustainable Development. - Familiarization with the Legal framework and the Means / Tools of Spatial Planning. - Familiarization with the levels of spatial planning and the strategic directions of spatial development at national & regional level – General and Regional Spatial Planning Frameworks. - Familiarization with sectoral planning at national level – Special Spatial Planning Frameworks - Familiarization with the theoretical and methodological background of spatial planning. - Understanding the structure and content of a spatial planning study – Integration of this into the strategic choices of superordinate plans (national or regional level). - Familiarization with data sources – Search, collection, processing, critical evaluation and visualization of spatial (qualitative and quantitative) information in the context of spatial planning studies – Understanding relationships of interaction between social, economic, cultural, natural, technological, etc. dimensions of the studied spatial systems. - Identification / evaluation of design problems, with emphasis on the spatial dimension. - Development and evaluation of integrated alternative solutions to spatial problems with a sustainable sign and in harmony with developmental goals. - Easy application of methodological approaches and tools utilized in the various stages of spatial planning studies.