A comparative analysis of shrinking cities
Cities in Europe and the United States have had to face challenges of economic and long-term demographic shifts that have resulted in urban shrinkage. In turn, this has led to such negative impacts as housing vacancies and underused infrastructure. Spatial planning systems that illustrate basic comparable features are in place. However, they are tailored for specific cultural, normative and spatial situations. An international point of view on the subject of regional and urban planning was lacking. This is where the 'Planning cultures in the USA and in Germany in comparison - The example of shrinking cities'(PLANSHRINKING) project came into the picture. It considered in-depth case studies between Germany and the United States. In so doing, specific cultural, social, economic, environmental and land-use issues were considered. The project identified paradigm shifts and developed a toolset to examine planning strategies. Journal articles have been published and seminars were conducted. Findings offer a comprehensive planning strategy to help guide future development, but also as serve as a basis for community building.
Keywords
Shrinking cities, urban shrinkage, spatial research, demographic shifts, planning cultures
