The Urban Socio-Spatial Development thematic area focuses on the making of cities and the interactions with and transitions within cities. It addresses topics such as the creation and appropriation of urban space, civic engagement leading to transformations in the built and social environment, the right to the city, with a focus on the right to land and housing. The thematic area critically reflects on the phenomenon of urban informality and assesses social, spatial, economic and cultural impacts of urban dynamics. It pays special attention to inclusive urban development and gender issues in planning and housing. It investigates bottom-up and middle-out approaches to city-making. It also comprises self-administration and urban planning as disciplines established at the local level.
The thematic area highlights the inextricable link between urban planning and housing. It introduces the concept of housing justice and the principles behind the attainment of adequate housing to make just, inclusive and livable cities. It applies social, spatial and gender justice principles as a framework for analyzing urban processes and assessing projects, plans, and policies. This thematic cluster requires an understanding of urban societies, the interaction of diverse stakeholder groups, gender, political economies and the dynamics of social interactions in space and time. It also includes the active transformation and conservation of space through urban renewal.
Typical questions entail: How do urban communities develop? What characterizes the space created by urban societies? What are the links between gender relations and socio-economic and spatial processes in cities? To what extent can historic features accommodate urban transition? What are the impacts of housing and urban renewal on the social and economic life in the cities? How much do land, housing, and gender approaches in urban planning contribute to social and spatial justice?
Find out more about the Urban Socio-Spatial Development Department.