Who we are

Spatial planning and strategy is a core chair in the Faculty of Architecture concerned with knowledge about the formulation, implementation and evaluation of strategic and urban planning tools - visions, strategies, plans and programmes.

We are particularly interested in how intervention through spatial planning can meet the challenge of territorial management in the context of the growing complexity of networked urban regions. We undertake international case studies and cross-national research on global and European cities and regions and the planning tools they use.

This has led to work on questions of the methodology for such studies. RP&S is the largest chair in the faculty with a strong international flavour among the 29 research and teaching staff. Practice Professor Joost Schrijnen assists in our collaboration with policy and practice. Professor Wil Zonneveld holds a joint post with the OTB Research Institute with whom there is much collaboration. RP&S has a wide portfolio of research projects including EU Seventh Framework, government and NGO funded work.

We contribute to teaching at all levels and have played a central role in the development and implementation of the prestigious European Masters in Urbanism which is delivered in partnership with UPC Barcelona, KU Leuven and IUAV di Venezia. Staff also make a considerable contribution to the work of the International Federation on Urbanism.