Spatial Justice Evaluation Ro de Janeiro Plan for Sustainable Development and Climate Action

UP2030 URBAN PL ANNING & DESIGN RE ADY FOR 2030

S P AT I A L JUSTICE E V A L U AT I O N

RIO DE JANEIRO LOPEZ, GONÇALVES, ROCCO & DABROWSKI

COLOPHON SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION UP2030 SPATIAL PLANNING & DESIGN READY FOR 2030 Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. This project has received funding from the Horizon Innovation Actions under the grant agreement n° 101096405.

This Spatial Justice Evaluation has been developed within the framework of the UP2030 Horizon project, generously funded by the European Union. As a cornerstone contribution to work package three, this evaluation aligns with the project's overarching goals of innovating and enhancing spatial justice in urban planning and design by 2030. Furthermore, it is a complementary resource to the spatial justice benchmarking tool developed by the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). This integration ensures that the evaluation not only provides theoretical insights and practical guidance for advancing Spatial Justice but also aligns with cutting-edge research and tools designed to measure and improve spatial justice outcomes. Through this collaborative effort, the evaluation aims to empower practitioners, scholars, and policymakers with the knowledge and strategies needed to create more equitable, inclusive, and just urban environments, reflecting the shared commitment of the UP2030 Horizon project and its contributors to fostering Spatial Justice on a global scale.

THE SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION ASSESSES HOW SPATIAL JUSTICE IS CONSIDERED IN THE CURRENT URBAN SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITION PLANS OF 10 EUROPEAN CITIES. WITH A PRESSING NEED FOR SYSTEMATIC CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSES OF EQUITY IN CLIMATE ACTION, RESILIENCE, CARBON NEUTRALITY, AND OTHER SECTORAL TRANSITIONS, THIS STUDY ADDRESSES A GAP BY FOCUSING ON THE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF SUSTAINABILITY. IT AIMS TO EXPOSE DOCUMENTS TO THE VALUES OF SPATIAL JUSTICE AS PART OF AN EVALUATION OF URBAN SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITIONS.

KEYWORDS: SPATIAL JUSTICE, SOCIO-TECHNICAL URBAN TRANSITIONS TO SUSTAINABILITY, JUST TRANSITIONS, BENCHMARKING, EVALUATION EDITED BY

HUGO LOPEZ JULIANA GONÇALVES ROBERTO ROCCO MARCIN DABROWSKI PUBLISHED BY TU DELFT OPEN PUBLISHING | DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, THE NETHERLANDS ISBN/EAN: XXXX DOI: XXXXXXXX THIS WORK IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION 4.0 INTERNATIONAL (CC BY 4.0) LICENCE © 2024 PUBLISHED BY TU DELFT OPEN ON BEHALF OF THE AUTHORS THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT HTTPS://XXXX DESIGNED BY ROBERTO ROCCO COPYRIGHT CLEARANCE MADE BY THE TU DELFT LIBRARY COPYRIGHT TEAM Every attempt has been made to ensure the correct source of images and other potentially copyrighted material was ascertained, and that all materials included in this book have been attributed and used according to their license. If you believe that a portion of the material infringes someone else’s copyright, please contact roberto rocco at r.c.rocco@tudelft.nl

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SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

CONTENTS 5

PREFACE 6 INTEGRATING JUSTICE INTO URBAN PLANNING & POLICY MAKING 12

METHODOLOGY 18

RESULTS 20 DOCUMENT ANALYSIS 30 RECOMMENDATIONS & INSPIRATIONS 33 TAKE ACTION 34

CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS 36 TOWARDS A JUST CITY: REFLECTIONS AND A MANIFESTO 40

AUTHORS 42

THE CENTRE FOR THE JUST CITY



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RECOGNITION

SPATIAL JUSTICE

PROCEDURAL

DISTRIBUTIVE

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SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

5

P R E F A CE

INTEGRATING JUSTICE INTO URBAN PL ANNING AND POLICY MAKING INTEGRATING JUSTICE INTO URBAN PL ANNING AND POLICY-MAKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR CRE ATING EQUITABLE, SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE, AND RESILIENT CITIES THAT CATER TO THE NEEDS OF ALL CITIZENS, THUS AT TAINING TRUE SUSTAINABILITY. BY “TRUE SUSTAINABILITY”, WE ME AN THE SIMULTANEOUS OCCURRENCE OF SUSTAINABILI TY’S THREE CRUCIAL DIMENSIONS (SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC), WHICH ARE MUTUALLY DEPENDENT AND MUTUALLY REINFORCING.

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SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

WH AT I S S P ATI A L J US T I CE

seeks to balance individual rights with the common good, ensuring that all members of a society have the opportunity to lead fulfilling and prosperous lives.

At the heart of the idea of justice lies a profound question: How can we live together? And how can

In this evaluation, we explore the application of

we coexist harmoniously with our planet? In light of

Spatial Justice, a three-dimensional framework sum-

our current unsustainable practices, we are also com-

marised in the figure below. Since everything happens

pelled to ask: How can we revolutionise our interac-

somewhere, space plays a definitive role (albeit not

tions with our cities, our planet, and one another, to

a deterministic one) in how social processes shape

nurture a world where both human and ecological

up. At the same time, justice is a human institution

well-being are realised?

that serves as both a moral and legal framework that

RECOGNITION

addresses the needs and aspirations of vulnerable and marginalised individuals, groups, and communities.

SPATIAL JUSTICE

PROCEDURAL

DISTRIBUTIVE addresses the burdens and benefits of human association in cities and communities.

addresses the processes and governance of the built environment to not reproduce, maintain, or create new inequalities. In turn, reinforcing many levels of engagement from the residents.



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Spatial Justice seeks to rectify imbalances that

resources fairly but also recognises the diverse needs

create disparities in how different groups experience

and aspirations of urban populations and actively

their environment. It advocates for a more just allo-

engages them in decision-making.

cation of spaces and resources that support community needs and aspirations and for more empowering and engaging processes that allow that to happen.

Spatial Justice encompasses three fundamental, indissociable and mutually-supporting dimensions: distributive, procedural, and recognition.

W H Y J U ST IC E MAT T ERS TO URBAN PL ANNING AND POLICYMAKING

The Distributive dimension concerns the equitable distribution of resources, benefits, and burdens of our lives in society across different geographical areas or communities. It strives to ensure that no group or locality is systematically disadvantaged regarding access to essential services, amenities, or economic opportunities. Distributive justice addresses issues like fair allocation of public goods, infrastructure, and environmental quality to prevent spatial inequalities.

The Procedural dimension focuses on the fairness of decision-making processes related to urban development and planning. It emphasises inclusive governance, participation, transparency and accountability. In this dimension, a wide range of stakeholders should have a voice in shaping policies, regulations, and development plans, ensuring that decision-making procedures are open, accountable, and considerate of diverse perspectives, with particular attention to the pleas of disadvantaged or historically oppressed communities.

The Recognition dimension addresses the needs and aspirations of various marginalised and vulnerable individuals, groups, and communities. It emphasises validating the rights and values, respecting and supporting alternative collective practices, and considering values, qualities, and long-term influences of communities and diverse lifestyles. This includes recognising their unique socio-spatial dynamics.

These dimensions are integral and essential to Spatial Justice. They need to work in concert to ensure that urban development not only distributes

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The necessity for Spatial Justice arises from acknowledging that space is not a neutral backdrop to human activity but is actively produced, shaped, and contested by social processes, power dynamics, and institutional practices. At the same time, justice must underscore all actions taken to promote sustainability. John Rawls (1971) affirmed that justice is the foundational virtue of social institutions, just as truth is for systems of thought. Therefore, any law or institution, no matter how efficient or well-organised, must be reformed or abolished if it is unjust.

In the evolving discourse about how to steer our cities and communities towards a fair and sustainable future, the concept of spatial justice emerges as both a "meaning-giver" and a "sense-maker" for urban development policy and projects. It does so by providing a critical lens through which the spatial dimensions of justice and equity can be understood and addressed. In urban development, space is not neutral; it reflects and reproduces social inequalities and power dynamics. By applying spatial justice principles, urban planners and policymakers can recognise and analyse the ways in which urban spaces either perpetuate inequality or contribute to more equitable outcomes.

As "meaning-giver", Spatial Justice provides a more profound framework for understanding the complex interactions between space, society, and the environment. It helps us reflect on how urban policies and projects impact different communities and individuals, particularly those who are marginalised

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

or disadvantaged. This perspective gives meaning to

to economic prosperity and environmental steward-

collective, public action, fostering a holistic approach

ship. Integrating spatial justice with social sustain-

to urban development, one that considers the spatial

ability is essential for good policy design. By doing

implications of policy decisions and seeks to create

so, cities can become places of care, resilience, and

environments that are socially inclusive, empower-

solidarity, capable of meeting current and future

ing and regenerative.

challenges.

As a "sense-maker", Spatial Justice encourages a systematic value-based rethinking of urban development based on a clear three-dimensional framework that addresses multiple aspects simultaneously.

Urban areas are mosaics of diverse communities with unique needs, aspirations, and challenges.

Without a justice-oriented approach, urban planning and policy-making risk exacerbating social

TO SUSTAINABILITY As overlapping socio-ecological crises affect cities and regions, the intersection between Spatial Justice and social sustainability is a critical nexus where equitable access to urban spaces and resources meets the long-term livelihood of communities.

P O O R U R B A N P L A NNING AND P O L IC YM AKING CA N E X A C E R B AT E E X ISTING INEQ U AL ITIES, CO N C E N T R AT I N G DISADV ANTAG E IN C E R TAIN A R E AS W H I LE P R I V IL E G ING OTHER S. inequalities, allowing environmental degradation

Social sustainability refers to a community's abil-

and economic disparities, and ultimately undermin-

ity to develop processes and structures that not only

ing the urban social fabric of cities.

meet the needs of its current members but also sup-

The integration of justice dimensions into urban

port future generations' ability to live healthy and

planning and policymaking is not only a moral impera-

prosperous lives. It is the bedrock on which environ-

tive but also a practical necessity for addressing com-

mental sustainability can be grounded and is founded

plex urban challenges that require collective imagi-

on well-functioning political, institutional and legal

nation and collective action. Justice-oriented plan-

systems that deliver just outcomes regarding the

ning aims to reorient urban development to address

distribution of environmental, economic and social

social sustainability consistently and, in turn, make

burdens and benefits of development and growth.

groups (and thus the city) more resilient to shocks

A key aspect of social sustainability is the ability

and stresses. Furthermore, a justice-based approach

to set up institutions that can steer and govern the

can drive innovation and sustainability by fostering

socio-economic and environmental development of

environments where diverse ideas and solutions are

a community. Thus, it is not possible to have envi-

welcomed and where social equity is seen as integral

ronmental or economic sustainability without social



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sustainability. In fact, Spatial Justice is a pillar of

and resilience often lack a justice perspective. The

environmental sustainability. It advocates for poli-

Spatial Justice lens reinforces that resilience and

cies and practices that foster a balance between its

adaptation should address not just a matter of phys-

three dimensions to achieve long-term sustainability

ical infrastructure or environmental management

and true resilience.

but also systemic inequalities that would still keep

At this intersection lies the understanding that

communities susceptible to harm. Moreover, critical

for human institutions to be sustainable, they must

research has shown that these initiatives have often

also be just. By integrating Spatial Justice values in

exacerbated inequalities and created new forms of

social sustainability, urban initiatives can foster envi-

dispossession.

ronmentally and economically sustainable societies

Just transitions recognise that technological

characterised by social cohesion that does not under-

innovations alone are insufficient for sustainabil-

mine difference, equal opportunity that considers

ity; they must be accompanied by changes in social

how multiple dimensions of identity (e.g., race, gen-

practices, cultural norms, regulatory frameworks,

der, class, etc) intersect to shape individuals' expe-

and economic structures. In addition, some schol-

riences of injustice, and the fostering of a strong

ars argue that the focus of cities on strategies and

sense of belonging, agency, and care for the com-

action comes at the expense of efforts in developing

mons between inhabitants.

coherent long-term city visions embracing the heterogeneity of the city's everyday life. An imbalance

J US T S US TA I NA BI L I T Y TRAN S I TI O NS : L E AV I N G N O O N E BE HI ND

between vision, strategy and action leads to the disconnection between short-term action and long-term planning. A major criticism of current sustainability visions is their reliance on so-called "experts", which often leads to exclusionary processes and businessas-usual outcomes detached from citizens’ lived experiences. This lack of a collective vision can result in

Just sustainability transitions encompass the holistic transformation of socio-technical systems towards more sustainable and equitable futures, ensuring that no one is left behind. The concept of a “just transition” integrates social justice with environmental sustainability, highlighting that efforts to address climate change and environmental degrada-

public detachment, protests, political polarisation, and threats to democracy.

W H Y T O EV ALU AT E SPAT IAL J U ST IC E

tion must also tackle social inequalities.

Socio-technical transitions to sustainability involve profound, systemic changes in energy production, consumption patterns, mobility, and other fundamental systems. To address it, many urban concepts like the Smart City, the 15-minute city, and the Circular city have emerged as "best practices". These and other narratives around sustainability, adaptation,

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To bring about consequential change, Spatial Justice requires a re-evaluation of urban planning and policy. In that effort, processes are as important as outcomes. The goal of this report is to evaluate Spatial Justice in urban sustainability transition plans, enhance the discussion about how justice considerations inform urban transitions to better account for disadvantaged groups, and leverage these plans

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

to refine relevant steps of the planning processes,

measure the application of justice considera-

such as vision statements, proposals, and for mon-

tions in the urban governance and planning

itoring the redistribution of benefits and burdens

of a city or region, assisting evaluation and

across the city.

reflection. It defines "levels of justice", from

Despite growing interest in Spatial Justice, prac-

"Low" to "Embedded", by assigning a score to

tical applications are lacking, with the distributive

the case being assessed against the highlighted

dimension often receiving more attention. This high-

components of the Spatial Justice Conceptual

lights the need for a comprehensive assessment

Model. It also provides visualisations in a dash-

method that encompasses the three mutually-rein-

board that assist in the reflection about and

forcing dimensions of Spatial Justice: Recognition,

the improvement of processes and outcomes

Procedural, and Distributive.

towards spatial justice.

To address this limitation, the TU Delft, as part

4. The Justice Readiness Level (JRL): It is a com-

of the UP2030 project, developed the Spatial Justice

plementary visual tool to monitor how justice is

Package to help support efforts to include Spatial

considered in urban planning and design. It aims

Justice in planning and design processes. This pack-

to provide a shared understanding of justice

age encompasses six products tailored for specific

considerations across many aspects of urban

users and audiences. This report includes four of

planning and design processes. Inspired by the

these tools. They are:

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) method, the

1. The Spatial Justice Conceptual Model (SJCM):

JRL provides a standard language that can be

Based on an extensive literature review at the

used across disciplines and organisations to

intersection of justice, spatial justice, and plan-

better communicate and assess justice.

ning, the SJCM conceptualises Spatial Justice by

This bundle is organised as the Spatial Justice

defining three applicable components and goals

Evaluation Dashboard. This dashboard facilitates the

for each dimension (Recognition, Procedural,

categorisation and scoring of different highlights of

and Distributive). When approached as an ana-

the plan. It then provides the visuals and scores for

lytical framework, it allows for a structured and

this report.

comprehensive way of assessing how aspects of Spatial Justice are considered in planning and design while drawing attention to the underlying components that compose each dimension.

2. The Spatial Justice Matrix (SJM): It is a set of criteria that represent qualitative benchmarks to promote the consistent application of justice values and just standards in urban planning and in broader aspects of governance (policy, programmes, projects, reports, etc.). It also provides explanations and examples connect to each criterion.

3. The Spatial Justice Benchmarking Tool (SJBT): It is a qualitative evaluation tool designed to



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METHODOLOGY

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SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

METHODOLOGY

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H OW T O E V A L U AT E SPAT I AL JU S T I C E CO N SI D E R ATI O NS The Spatial Justice Package gathers tools that allow for a structured and comprehensive way of analysing and evaluating how Spatial Justice is considered in planning and design, while providing recommendations and inspiring actions to take aspects of Spatial Justice forward.

An analytical framework is a structured approach or set of principles used to analyse and interpret data, phenomena, or processes. It provides a systematic way to organise information, identify patterns, and

planning involves defining a vision, organising actions around goals, and making decisions about resource allocation to achieve those goals. This process helps align various actors by clearly communicating vision, strategies, objectives and actions. In our database, we have asked the participating municipalities in the Horizon Europe UP2030 project to provide us with the documents that inform their planning of their transition strategies. Our sample has different formats, such as resilience strategies and climate action plans. They also have different focuses; some are integrative while some address a single sectoral transition. In common, they are all city-wide plans, which address the same level of governance.

FILTERING HIGHLIGHTS: THE VSOA METHOD

draw conclusions about a particular subject or topic of study. In that sense, the Spatial Justice Evaluation Dashboard works as a step further in giving meaning and making sense in the evolving discourse about how to propel cities and communities towards fair and sustainable futures. It serves as an analytical lens through which academics and practitioners can examine spatial phenomena and urban governance, assessing Spatial Justice through its components.

(VSOA) methodology is employed to extract core information from the documents, since most urban sustainability transition plans are strategic planning documents. The VSOA method unpacks the primary messages the plan communicates. Initially, this method does not adopt a perspective on justice; instead, it identifies the most crucial elements and the plan's aspirations and proposals. Subsequently, these highlights allow for the identification of justice

WOR KF L O W

considerations.

This methodology provides a structure for ana-

DATA-GATHERING: URBAN SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITION PL ANS Urban sustainability transition plans have many formats. Urban Strategic Planning is distinct from conventional urban planning approaches such as master plans or comprehensive development plans, since they focus on governance and implementation.

This report focuses on strategic documents that guide municipal decisions in urban planning. Strategic urban

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The Values, Strategies, Objectives, and Actions

lysing the key elements of urban plans and for understanding how values are articulated and translated into actionable items. It helps identify the overarching vision, the strategies to achieve it, the specific objectives outlined, and the concrete actions proposed.

Visions are long-term, aspirational statements that describe a desired future for the city or urban area. A vision captures the community's values and ideals and provides a sense of direction for the planning process. It helps stakeholders understand the overall purpose and potential of the city they want

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

to create. Visions usually require additional scoping

The dashboard allows the user to assign a com-

before they can be implemented, which begs the

ponent of the Spatial Justice Conceptual Model to

unpacking of strategies, objectives, and actions.

each highlight of the document (9 options). According

Strategies in urban planning are a set of coor-

to this classification, each highlight receives a score

dinated actions that lead to goals set in the vision.

informed by the "levels of justice" of the SJBT (5

They outline the broad methods and purposes of the

options). As the scores are being given, the dashboard

planning processes.

provides a visuals of the combined scores, support-

Objectives are mid- and long-term outcomes the

ing the assessment.

stakeholders agree are the most important to fulfilling the vision, connecting different goals and city values. They usually consider the "SMART" framework (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). Objectives serve as the basis for setting priorities, allocating resources, and evaluating the success of the planning efforts.

Actions refer to the specific projects, policies, programs, and initiatives undertaken to carry-out a strategy. These are the tangible steps to implement the strategies defined by the city authorities and other involved stakeholders. Actions require collaboration between different stakeholders and levels of governance in their implementation, data monitoring and impact evaluation.

In this methodology, the highlights of the documents are organised by sentence. This is the first layer of analysis, identifying the aspirations and proposals of the plan. The next steps will rely on this data to evaluate Spatial Justice considerations.

THE SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION DASHBOARD

C AT E G O R I S I N G J U S T I C E C O N S I D E R AT I O N S : T H E SPATIAL JUSTICE CONCEPTUAL MODEL Each component of the SJCM focuses on an important aspect of a Spatial Justice dimension, making each dimension more practical for the evaluation of how Spatial Justice is considered in the plan.

As we have mentioned, Spatial Justice has three mutually-reinforcing dimensions: Recognition, Procedural, and Distributive. The Recognition dimension's components are "Validation", "Care practices", and "Foster pluriverse". The first component emphasises the importance of legal frameworks in recognising and protecting the intrinsic value and dignity of individuals and groups as moral agents. The second component highlights the need to learn from and support alternative collective practices that uplift disadvantaged communities, such as engagement in everyday practices and the management of communal resources. The third component calls for a profound transformation, advocating for considering the values, qualities, and unique socio-spatial dynamics of

The previous step highlighted the document's

non-hegemonic cultures and communities.

foundational and propositional aspects with the

The Procedural dimension's components are

VSOA methodology. These are then categorised in

"Democratic engagement", "Adaptive processes"

the Spatial Justice Evaluation Dashboard, a plat-

and "Responsive governance". The first component

form that bundles the already presented SJCM, SJR,

focuses on empowering people through continu-

SJBT, and JRL. The dashboard is used to organise,

ous, meaningful interactions between individuals

score, and visualise the evaluation of spatial justice

and government, ensuring that urban policies reflect

considerations in urban planning and governance

the community's needs and knowledge. The sec-

documents.

ond component addresses the self-actualisation of

METHODOLOGY

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institutions, advocating for fairness in their processes

focusing on one dimension with vague specifics on

with a commitment to justice as a foundational virtue.

the what, how, or who is being addressed. Growing

The third component highlights the need for insti-

(+1) reveals a more profound concern, connecting

tutions to build trust by ensuring that processes are

at least two dimensions of Spatial Justice and spec-

fair, transparent, and sustainable. It concerns planning

ifying details about what, how, or who is involved in

and monitoring. These three components emphasise

the action. Embedded (+3) represents a comprehen-

the importance of democratic engagement, institu-

sive integration of Spatial Justice aspects, where all

tional justice, and trust-building in creating sustain-

dimensions are interlinked with clear specifications of

able and equitable urban policies.

the involved locations, processes, and groups. From

The Distributive dimension's components are

the scores given to each highlight, a median score

"Fair allocation", "Access", and "Appropriation". The

is calculated for each dimension of Spatial Justice.

first component concerns the fair allocation of burdens and benefits, aiming to correct socio-spatial disparities and address the root causes of inequality.

REPORT: OVERVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The second component highlights the importance of improving life chances by ensuring that individuals and households can easily reach and benefit from educational, economic, and environmental opportunities. The third component centres on empowering people to transform and utilise accessible resources, challenging inequalities and emphasising the importance of redistribution for enabling individuals to enhance their capabilities and life outcomes.

S C O R I N G J U S T I C E C O N S I D E R AT I O N S : T H E S P A TIAL JUSTICE BENCHMARKING TOOL

The methodology and results are presented in a report format and offer a comprehensive evaluation system for spatial justice considerations in urban planning and design documents, helping to identify potential areas for improvement in justice considerations. This report provides an overview, recommendations, and inspirations from other cities to encourage discussion, reflection, and action. The report guides adjustments toward a justice-based approach in policies, processes, and projects, aiming to leverage urban sustainability transitions for the fair redistribution of burdens and benefits of urban change through engaging processes, responsive insti-

The scores in the SJBT assist in providing a benchmark for evaluating every highlight of the doc-

tutions, and more sensitive recognition of the needs and aspirations of the most vulnerable.

ument. The focus of each component in the SJCM is reflected in slight differences in scoring "levels of justice" for each highlight. The scoring system follows a similar structure for every component, with five options: Low (-3) indicates a lack of attention to Spatial Justice, with no engagement with its ethical, moral, or political aspects. Starting (-1) reflects initial concerns about disparities, with early efforts to recognise issues but no prioritisation of Spatial Justice or its criteria and aspects. Basic (0) shows explicit but limited consideration of Spatial Justice, often

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SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

DATA

U R B A N S U S TA I N AB IL ITY TR ANSITIO N P L AN FULL DOCUMENT

V SO A

FILTER

CATEGORISATION

SCORING

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION DASHBOAR D

HIGHLIGHTS

SPAT IA L J U ST I C E D IM ENSIO N S

SP ATIAL JU STICE CO N CEP TU AL MO DEL

SPATIA L JUSTICE B E NCHM A RK I NG TOOL

RESULTS

R EP O R T

COMMUNICATION

=

!

>

OVERVIEW

RECOMMENDATIONS

ACTIONS

METHODOLOGY

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RESULTS

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SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

RESULTS

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RIO DE JANEIRO

DOCUMENT: PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION DOCUMENT ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS & INSPIRATIONS

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SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

D OCUM ENT A NA LY S I S

emphasis on innovation, participatory governance, and serving the most vulnerable citizens. Key priorities include improving public services, expand-

ABOUT THE DOCUMENT The document analysed in this report is the "Sustainable Development and Climate Action Plan" (2021), which outlines Rio de Janeiro’s vision for 2050, aligning with global milestones like the Paris Agreement. It sets 10-year goals based on the UN 2030 Agenda, establishing a Local 2030 Agenda for Rio, and positioning the city as a leader in Latin America.

The plan focuses on improving quality of life by tackling inequalities, reducing poverty, eradicating hunger, and addressing climate change. It prioritises expanding public services like healthcare, education, and transport while emphasising innovation and measurable outcomes. The plan introduces "Sustainability Corridors" to strengthen municipal planning and support citizens’ life decisions. The PDS offers a rich portfolio of concrete actions, clear goals for 2030, and an ambitious climate vision for 2050. It is part of a broader municipal planning system, including Strategic Planning, the Master Plan, and Vision 500 for 2065. This analysis is based on the executive summary (in English) and a word search of the full document written in Portuguese.

VISION, STRATEGY, OBJECTIVE, ACTION

ing healthcare and education, reducing income inequality, fostering climate justice, and creating a safe, inclusive urban space for all residents. The plan also envisions Rio as a leader in climate action, promoting green technologies, sustainable food systems, and infrastructure that supports healthy living, social integration, and cultural participation, with strong attention to public engagement, transparency, and regional cooperation.

Objectives: They emphasise a comprehensive approach to sustainability and resilience. Key goals include a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with the ultimate aim of carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan focuses on urban revitalisation, such as reforesting 3,550 hectares and doubling tree coverage in underserved areas. It prioritises social equity through improved public services, housing, and sustainable mobility while aiming to create 40% of jobs in the green economy. Energy efficiency, circular economy initiatives like recycling, and climate adaptation measures such as sustainable urban drainage and reducing food waste are central. Through these measures, the city seeks to establish itself as a global leader in sustainability, reinforcing the need for participatory governance and investment in smart city technologies.

Strategy: They focus on creating "Sustainability Corridors" that integrate green, brown, blue, and orange corridors to spatialise goals and actions for

The methodology extracts the Vision, Strategies, Objectives, and Actions (VSOA) of urban sustainability transition plans. This filter highlights the most crucial elements of plans.

Vision: It outlines a bold and inclusive future focused on environmental sustainability, social equity, and resilient urban development. The city aims to become GHG emissions-free by 2050, with a strong

Rio's long-term urban transformation. These corridors prioritise expanding green infrastructure, densifying urban areas with sustainable land use, protecting water bodies, and addressing social inequalities through targeted socioeconomic interventions.

The Plan emphasises combating climate change, enhancing walkability, promoting clean technologies, and fostering public participation through various

RESULTS

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engagement strategies, including online tools and workshops. A governance structure ensures monitoring, adjustments, and integration across city departments to fulfil these goals and the UN's 2030 Agenda of "leaving no one behind."

Action: They demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to sustainable urban development, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These initiatives focus on enhancing environmental resilience, such as emergency climate response drills, reforestation, nature conservation, and reducing air pollution by transitioning to non-emitter vehicles. Additionally, the plan emphasises responsible resource management, including a sustainability code for water and buildings, promoting renewable energy through solar farms, and fostering regional food security. Public engagement is integral, with mechanisms for citizen monitoring and periodic reviews ensuring accountability and adaptation over time.

Word cloud: The image on the side shows a word cloud for the whole document, which further supports these observations. It reveals significant terms such as "ação" (action), "cidade" (city), and "climática" (climatic), with "ação" being the most frequent, highlighting a focus on urban interventions. Additionally, terms like "sustentabilidade" (sustainability) and "participação" (participation) indicate a concern for inclusive urban development. The prominence of governance-related words, including "governo" (government) and "governança" (governance), emphasises the role of political frameworks in addressing urban challenges. These insights strongly focus on action-oriented and participatory approaches to enhance urban sustainability and resilience.

The next step will evaluate these observations using the Spatial Justice lens.

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SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

Image X. Word cloud of the VSOAs in the full document in Portuguese (Threshold at 10 occurrences).

RESULTS

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SPATIAL JUSTICE OVERVIEW

commitment to ensuring equitable resource distri-

TSpatial Justice is an interdependent three-di-

Access underscores the necessity of ensuring that

mensional framework with Recognition, Procedural, and Distributive dimensions. The Recognition dimension concerns validating, caring, and fostering the needs and aspirations of vulnerable and marginalised individuals, groups, and communities. The Procedural dimension focuses on the fairness of decision-making processes, and the Distributive dimension concerns the equitable distribution of benefits and burdens, both related to urban development and planning.

The VSOA method highlighted the document's core aspects. Each aspect's prominent focus is categorised into dimensions and components using the framework built by the Spatial Justice Conceptual Model (SJCM).

Distributive dimension: The images below and on the next page show the component Fair Allocation, which is most mentioned. This indicates a strong

bution within urban contexts. The importance of all community members can benefit from available resources. However, there is a significant oversight in recognising community ownership and rights over public spaces, essential for fostering community empowerment and engagement in urban planning.

Procedural dimension: Responsive Governance reflects a robust framework for adapting to community needs. However, the considerably lower focus on Democratic Engagement and Adaptive Processes points to a gap in actively involving citizens in decision-making processes and the flexibility of institutions to respond to evolving urban dynamics. This disparity highlights the need for improving participatory mechanisms to ensure that governance structures not only react to community needs but also engage citizens in shaping those responses, thereby enhancing overall democratic practices.

Image X. Number of codes per component

24

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

Recognition dimension: It shows moderate attention to Validation, reflecting some acknowl-

is vital for fostering social solidarity and resilience in urban environments.

edgment of diverse identities within urban plan-

Overall, the findings suggest a strong foundation

ning. Yet, the low emphasis on Care Practices and

in distributive justice while highlighting critical areas

Fostering Plurality reveals a lack of focus on nurturing

for improvement in procedural engagement and rec-

empathetic relationships and understanding among

ognition practices to create a more comprehensive

community members. Strengthening these aspects

and inclusive urban planning strategy.

Image X. Balance of Spatial Justice dimensions and components in the analysed document

Distributive Procedural Recognition

RESULTS

25

SPATIAL JUSTICE SCORE

necessary to maintain and improve accessibility across diverse populations.

The Spatial Justice Benchmarking Tool's scoring method calculates scores for the levels of consideration of Spatial Justice in each of the coded sentences.

This aids in reflecting, comparing, and improving processes (and outcomes) toward justice.

The evaluation of Spatial Justice considerations can be summarised as follows: Low (-3) indicates a lack of attention to Spatial Justice, with no engagement with its ethical, moral, or political aspects.

Starting (-1) reflects initial concerns about disparities, with early efforts to recognise issues but no prioritisation of Spatial Justice or its criteria and aspects. Basic (0) shows explicit but limited consideration of Spatial Justice, often focusing on one dimension with vague specifics on the what, how, or who is being addressed.

Growing (+1) reveals a more profound concern, connecting at least two dimensions of Spatial Justice and specifying details about what, how, or who is involved. Embedded (+3) represents a comprehensive integration of Spatial Justice aspects, where all dimensions are interlinked with clear specifications of the involved locations, processes, and groups. From these scores given in highlight, a median score is calculated for each dimension and each component of Spatial Justice.

Fair Allocation Challenges: The graphs on the next page show that although Fair Allocation is fre-

Democratic Engagement Potential: Democratic Engagement showcases a high median score, suggesting effective practices in involving community members in decision-making. However, the few mentions indicate that these practices may not be widely implemented, signalling a need for continued and systematic integration of democratic processes in urban governance.

Mixed Outcomes in Governance and Validation: Both Responsive Governance and Validation have moderate performance, indicating that governance structures are somewhat adaptable to community needs and acknowledge diverse identities. However, there is room for improvement in ensuring that governance mechanisms fully embrace the complexity of community dynamics.

Opportunities for Enhancing Social Practices: The low scores in Care Practices and Fostering Plurality reveal gaps in nurturing empathetic relationships and building community belonging. Addressing these areas is crucial for cultivating social ties and promoting social solidarity, which are essential for a resilient urban environment.

While the plan demonstrates a solid foundation in certain aspects of spatial justice, enhancing engagement and recognition is essential for fostering a truly equitable and resilient urban environment.

quently mentioned, the negative median score indicates significant difficulties in achieving equitable resource distribution. This suggests that planned policies may not effectively address disparities, highlighting the need for improved strategies to ensure fairness in resource allocation.

Positive Access Indicators: The positive median score for Access reflects a commitment to ensuring all community members can engage with urban resources. This indicates progress toward enhancing social equity, although continued efforts are

26

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

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Image X. Final median score per dimension

Low

Starting

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Distributive Procedural Recognition

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Image X. Final median score per component

RESULTS

27

CO N CL US I O N

to changing community needs. Establishing regular feedback loops and promoting collaboration among stakeholders will empower governance structures

The analysis of words related to Spatial Justice, the VSOAs, and the scores based on the Spatial

to evolve and respond more effectively to urban challenges.

Justice Benchmarking Tool provides a comprehen-

Fostering Recognition Justice: The low scores in

sive evaluation of Spatial Justice considerations in

care practices and fostering pluriverse require tar-

the in the "Plan for Sustainable Development and

geted initiatives that promote social solidarity and

Climate Action of the City of Rio de Janeiro".

community belonging. Community-building activities, cultural exchange programs, and support net-

POTENTIAL ARE AS FOR IMPROVEMENT

works celebrating diversity can create an inclusive urban environment where all identities are valued.

Reinforcing Fair Allocation Practices: There is a

JUSTICE RE ADINESS LEVEL (JRL)

pressing need to enhance fair allocation mechanisms to ensure equitable distribution of urban resources.

By developing transparent criteria and processes,

The Justice Readiness Level (JRL) is determined

the PDS can better address existing disparities, par-

by the median of the Spatial Justice Benchmarking

ticularly for marginalised populations. The emphasis

Tool (SJBT) scores across the dimensions. In this anal-

on “ação” (action) in the word cloud signals a public

ysis, the plan received a score that places its JRL in

intention for active measures that rectify imbalances

between the "Basic" and "Growing" level.

in resource distribution, promoting social equity and sustainability.

At this stage, the plan indicates progress toward a deeper integration of Spatial Justice considerations.

Expanding Access and Connectivity: While the

This score reflects a commendable commitment to

PDS demonstrates a positive outlook on access, there

aspects of Spatial Justice, explicitly acknowledging

remains significant room for improvement, espe-

justice considerations and efforts to address systemic

cially in underserved neighborhoods. Efforts should

injustices. Policies and practices promoting equity

focus on enhancing physical and digital infrastruc-

and fair treatment are present, and there has been

ture, such as public transportation and internet con-

significant progress in reducing some of the most

nectivity, to ensure all residents can equally partic-

visible disparities. However, the integration of spa-

ipate in urban life.

tial justice remains limited, as the focus is primarily

Advancing Democratic Engagement: Given the

on a single dimension, and the actions taken, while

PDS's favorable score in democratic engagement,

meaningful, may still need more depth and inter-

there is an opportunity to further embed participatory

connectedness required for a more transformative

practices within governance structures. Strengthening

impact. As the plan evolves, it could move towards a

community engagement initiatives and creating inclu-

more comprehensive approach, incorporating multi-

sive decision-making platforms can help ensure that

ple aspects of Spatial Justice with greater specificity

diverse voices are heard and represented.

and integration.

Enhancing Governance Responsiveness: While governance mechanisms show moderate responsiveness, there is a need to improve their adaptability

28

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

3

JRL | Justice 10 | Justice is monitored is monitored and adjusted and adjusted

Embedded Embedded

JRL Justice 9 | Justice considerations considerations are found areinfound in relevantrelevant environments environments

Growing Growing

8 |JRL Justice 8 | Justice is enacted is enacted and qualified and qualified

2,5 2,5 2 2 1,5 1,5 1

alidated ice is validated in operational in operational environment environment

3

1

0,5 0,5

monstrated e is demonstrated in relevant in relevant environment environment

Basic Basic

5 |JRL Justice 5 | Justice is considered is considered in planning in planning

0 0 0,5 0,5 1

considerations rations are partare of part decision-making of decision-making StartingStarting

Basic RL 3 |principles Basic principles of justice of justice observed observed

1,5 1,5 2

|JRL General 2 | General recognition recognition of disparities of disparities

Low

Low

2

2,5 2,5 3

JRL 1 |JRL No consideration 1 | No consideration for justice for justice

1

3

JUSTICE JUSTICE READINESS READINESS LEVEL LEVEL

Image X. Justice Readiness Level for the "Plan for Sustainable Development and Climate Action of the City of Rio de Janeiro"

RESULTS

29

RECO M M E NDAT I O NS

Ultimately, the project serves as a model for grassroots environmental management and spatial justice, emphasising the importance of community

This Spatial Justice Evaluation is also connected

involvement and local knowledge in promoting urban

to a Spatial Justice Rubric, which collects practical

sustainability. It fosters a novel socio-spatial arrange-

criteria, recommendations, and examples for each

ment of care for the environment and for the people.

dimension and components of the Spatial Justice

It aims to not only improve the condition of rivers but

Conceptual Model.

also to cultivate a sense of environmental responsibility among residents, empowering them to take an

NOVEL AND FAIR SOCIO-SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS The plan's vision statements reflect a commit-

active role in nurturing their local ecosystems.

INCLUDE SPATIAL JUSTICE IN EVALUATIONS

ment to participatory governance and responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of disadvantaged citizens, prioritising areas such as healthcare, education, income inequality reduction, climate justice, and creating safe, inclusive urban spaces. The Guardiões dos Rios and Guardiões das Matas projects exemplify these values in action. The Guardiões dos Rios initiative, led by the Environmental Department (SMAC), focuses on cleaning and preserving the city's rivers, particularly in communities facing socio-economic challenges. Local residents are trained as agents to engage in waste removal, environmental education, and community dialogue about pollution and waste management.

Since its launch, the program has expanded its reach into high-need areas like Rocinha and the Complexo do Alemão, highlighting community involvement in addressing environmental issues.

However, challenges remain, such as illegal dumping and inadequate waste management infrastructure. The increased volume of waste removed from rivers underscores the scale of the issue and the community's proactive engagement in seeking solutions.

Exploring opportunities to broaden the program's impact, perhaps not only by extending initiatives to different city regions but by integrating other municipal departments

Incorporating Spatial Justice into evaluations can be a valuable approach. Conducting multi-criteria evaluations that include justice aspects—such as the ones highlighted by the Spatial Justice Matrix— can help define equitable resource allocation and develop metrics to assess whether these allocations effectively meet the needs of prioritised communities.

It is essential to be mindful that the distribution of benefits and burdens in urban sustainability transitions aims to address, rather than reinforce, existing disparities and inequalities. By focusing on the fair allocation of public goods, basic services, cultural assets, economic opportunities, and healthy environments, Spatial Justice also seeks to redistribute burdens like pollution and undesirable facilities more equitably. The Spatial Justice Matrix offers a set of criteria which can enhance discussions and reflections on the benefits and burdens of urban sustainability transitions.

Adopting these guidelines and criteria can extend beyond simply being "green" or reducing emissions.

Instead, they can be utilised to prioritise justice, fostering a deeper integration of justice values and considerations into the institution's processes, policies, and practices.

to address these bigger challenges could be beneficial.

30

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

I N SP I R AT I O NS

participation in specific areas of the city that are shared by everyone, especially around the city centre.

The participating cities of the UP2030 project have a great deal of knowledge and experience that

Milan

could benefit one another. The examples below were

Creating a permanent body for the civic partic-

found in other city plans and can work as inspiring

ipation of the Milanese in the activities of the Air

projects, policies, initiatives, and more.

and Climate Plan starts from the vision of air and climate as collective goods to encourage the active

FROM AWARENESS TO ENABLING PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES These references promote participation in the decision-making process of projects, programmes, and aspects of urban governance, from agenda-setting to the design, planning, and implementation of policies, programs, and projects.

Thessaloniki •

Establish a consultation process in the local neighbourhoods/community centres;

•

Deliberation meetings to empower citizens and encourage them to get involved in the co-creation of their urban environment;

•

Initiate participatory budgeting in Boroughs (governance areas under Municipal level) to put budget decisions directly in the hands of those directly affected;

•

Build capacity in citizen empowerment through collaboration with institutions and initiatives specialised in civic education. Initiate a series of workshops, seminars, and consultation meetings at the Borough Centers that will offer training to citizens.

•

Engage local experts (designers, web developers, etc.) to develop apps that engage, transfer, and share knowledge among organisations, community groups, and municipalities.

•

Crowdsourcing ideas and promoting community

involvement of citizens in the co-planning of climate actions. The permanent body will bring the voice of citizens into the Plan through continuous consultation mechanisms. Co-planning, monitoring and participating in the Plan's actions means not only giving life to participatory democracy actions but also activating virtuous processes of collective empowerment and shared knowledge.

IMPROVING FAIR ALLOCATION The aim is not only to provide, but that those benefits correct spatial disparities and inequalities at their root, thereby leading to more equitable results.

Achieving justice requires gaining control over the processes that produce unjust urban geographies.

Granollers Adapted from the original action, the action concerns the promotion of mapped on-the-ground initiatives from citizens, with the collaboration of neighbourhood, social and environmental organisations.

This includes bearing transaction costs in order to lighten the burdens in these initiatives. For example, the expenses incurred in providing materials or services, including the time, energy, and money spent on finding partners, negotiating terms, and ensuring compliance with agreements. These costs can involve opportunity costs, travel expenses, legal fees, and costs for monitoring and enforcement. This is central to issues related to 'externalities', particularly when

RESULTS

31

the external costs or benefits affect many third par-

space, helping practitioners and citizens alike

ties, making a change to more just procedures costly

to better understand the relationships people

to negotiate.

have with public spaces. Crucially, ensure that

Another reference is to “plan future actions

the discussed designs are evaluated using the

in the city by mapping disused spaces, mediating

Spatial Justice Benchmarking Tool to incorpo-

between owners and entities to reach agreements

rate justice considerations and avoid overlook-

on the use of the site, and offering advice to the

ing equity issues in the development process.

entities involved.”

This method can support public spaces to be better used but also fair and inclusive. (Inspired

Spatial Justice Matrix •

by Good Public Space, Humankind).

Allow residents of a specific postcode in the city to collaborate with artists in creating public art that reflects their neighborhood's identity.

Through brainstorming sessions and neigh-

CLIMATE ACTION THROUGH THE LENS OF SPATIAL JUSTICE

borhood explorations, residents can introduce

Belfast

themes that inspire the artworks. This project should emphasise community participation, with residents actively engaging in the creative process alongside artists. Beyond public art, this approach can also involve reimagining collective spaces in the neighborhood with a focus on communal approaches. This can help bridge communication between residents and the municipality, ensuring that the designs, supervision, and participatory events result in interventions that truly resonate with the community and exemplify fair distribution of benefits across the city. (Inspired by Endeavour | Expo 2018) •

Perform an analysis of public space that combines spatial and human behaviour observations to cross-check the current designs of public areas against their actual uses in real life.

The analysis can provide observations, action points, and maps, and it can also be combined with a practical, interactive workshop with interested parties. For the workshops, the use of a combination of AI and human imagination

One important criterion is to foster reflection on justice considerations, which involves creating opportunities for dialogue to review policies, processes, and procedures, as well as to reflect on progress and performance, particularly regarding how justice can drive positive change. One potential approach is holding regular evaluation meetings focusing on climate action through the lens of Spatial Justice, utilising insights from the Spatial Justice Conceptual Model and the Spatial Justice Matrix.

Additionally, we might draw inspiration from Belfast’s “Innovation and Inclusive Growth Commission,” a collaboration between Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Ulster University, and Queen’s University. This initiative aims to develop an integrated, inclusive, and long-term growth plan for the city, with recommendations that promote a decade-long focus on fostering a job-led transition to a zero-emissions economy. A similar collaborative effort could be beneficial, focusing on just urban transitions to ensure that all community voices are included in shaping a sustainable future.

can speed up the process of exploring alternative ways of looking at and thinking of public

32

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

TAK E ACTI O N

The Spatial Justice Package contains tools that assist in the action phase, connected to steps in the Strategic Planning Cycle: The Spatial Justice Conceptual Model breaks down the concept of Spatial Justice into more applicable elements.

The Spatial Justice Rubric contain criteria, recommendations, and concrete references for application.

The Spatial Justice Benchmarking Tool helps evaluating and reflecting on proposals for urban planning and design.

The Justice Readiness Level is a monitor of Spatial Justice considerations in urban planning and desing.

The Spatial Justice Handbook is a guide to support the application of Spatial Justice in urban research and practice.

The Citizen Voice is a digital survey tool to collect spatial information from local stakeholders and citizens.

RESULTS

33

CHALL E NG E S & FU T U RE DIREC T I O NS

T O WA RD S A JU ST C I T Y: RE FLEC T I ONS AND A MANIF E S T O REFLECTING ON THE NEW ROLE OF PL ANNERS AND POLICYMAKERS BUILDING COALITIONS FOR CHANGE A MANIFESTO FOR THE JUST CITY RESE ARCH AND EDUCATION

36

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

In the quest for spatial justice, the convergence of new governance styles that foster hope as a political action and embrace insurgent forms of planning that challenge neo-liberal forms of governance heralds a transformative path towards creating just cities.

This approach means a departure from conventional, technocratic, top-down urban planning paradigms, advocating instead for participatory, inclusive, and responsive governance that empowers communities and values grassroots initiatives.

Hope, as a dynamic and collective force, drives this shift, motivating citizens to envision and work towards equitable urban futures. It fuels the belief that, through collective action and innovative governance, it is possible to overcome spatial injustices that marginalise and disenfranchise citizens.

Insurgent planning, with its roots in the lived experiences and aspirations of local communities, offers practical and imaginative strategies to reclaim and reshape urban spaces. It challenges the status quo and provides a platform for voices historically silenced in urban development narratives.

As we reflect on the journey towards spatial justice, it is clear that the integration of hope and alternative forms of planning within new governance models is not merely desirable but essential.

This approach redefines the relationship between urban spaces and their inhabitants, fostering environments where equity, sustainability, and community thrive within practices of care and restoration of the planet and our relationships with each other.

The call to action is clear: to build just cities, we must collectively commit to these principles, fostering an urban governance that is as adaptive, resilient, and diverse as the communities it serves. Through this commitment, the vision of just and inclusive cities becomes not just a hopeful aspiration but an achievable reality.

REF LEC T IN G ON T H E N EW R OLE OF PL AN N ERS AN D POLIC YMAKER S Within the transformative framework aimed at fostering hope and embracing alternative planning practices towards spatial justice, the roles of planners and policymakers evolve significantly. This new paradigm necessitates a shift from traditional, technocratic, hierarchical approaches to more collaborative, flexible, and community-centred roles. Planners and designers become facilitators of change, connectors, and co-creators rather than sole authors of urban futures.

FACILITATORS OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT Planners and policymakers must prioritise empowering communities to lead the charge in shaping their environments. This involves creating platforms for genuine participation and ensuring that all voices, especially those from marginalised groups, are heard and valued. It's about facilitating processes where community insights and aspirations directly influence planning decisions, thereby democratising urban development.

CONNECTORS BRIDGING DIVERSE STAKEHOLDERS In their new role, planners and designers act as connectors, bridging gaps between various stakeholders, including government entities, private sectors, non-profits, and community groups. By fostering partnerships and facilitating dialogue, they can create synergies that leverage the strengths and resources of different sectors towards common goals of spatial justice and sustainable urban development.

CHALLENGES & FUTURE DIRECTIONS

37

CO-CRE ATORS IN URBAN DEVELOPMENT Adopting a co-creative approach, planners and designers work alongside communities and other stakeholders in the design and implementation of urban projects. This collaborative process ensures that development initiatives are grounded in local contexts and needs, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes. Co-creation fosters a sense

justice and sustainability. By doing so, they can contribute to creating urban environments that not only meet the needs of the present but are also resilient and equitable spaces for future generations.

B U ILDIN G C OALIT IONS F OR C H AN GE

of ownership among all participants, enhancing the resilience and adaptability of urban spaces.

ADVOCATES FOR EQUITY AND SUSTAINABILITY Planners and designers must also advocate for equity, sustainability, and justice within urban governance frameworks. This involves challenging entrenched power dynamics and advocating for policies and practices that prioritise the well-being of both human and non-human inhabitants. It requires a commitment to questioning and reimagining existing systems to pave the way for more just and sustainable urban environments.

Building coalitions for change within the framework of hope and alternative planning practices towards spatial justice requires strategic, inclusive, and empathetic approaches. These coalitions must bring together diverse stakeholders, including community groups, non-profits, academics, policymakers, and the private sector, united by the common goal of creating fair, sustainable, and just urban spaces.

Key strategies to effectively build and sustain such coalitions include:

1. IDENTIFY COMMON GOALS Start by identifying shared goals and visions among potential coalition members. Even groups

LIFELONG LE ARNERS AND INNOVATORS Finally, in this evolving landscape, planners and designers need to be lifelong learners, open to innovation and adaptation. The complexities of modern urban challenges necessitate a willingness to explore new ideas, learn from both successes and failures and continuously adapt strategies in response to changing conditions and insights. This learning mindset is crucial for navigating the uncertainties of the future and ensuring that urban development remains responsive to the needs of all inhabitants.

The shift towards hope and alternative planning

with diverse interests can find common ground in broader objectives like sustainability, equity, or community empowerment. Clear, shared goals provide a foundation for collaboration and action.

2. FOSTER INCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT Ensure the coalition-building process is inclusive, actively reaching out to and involving a wide range of stakeholders, especially those from marginalized or underrepresented communities. Use participatory methods to engage community members, ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping the coalition’s direction and priorities.

practices in urban development calls for planners and designers to embrace these new roles, embodying flexibility, collaboration, and a deep commitment to

38

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

3 . B U I L D O N E X I S T I N G N E T W O R K S A N D 8. CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS AND LE ARN FROM REL ATIONSHIPS SETBACKS Leverage existing networks and relationships to

• Regularly acknowledge and celebrate the

foster trust and collaboration among potential coali-

coalition’s achievements to maintain motivation and

tion members. Building on the foundations of trust

momentum. Equally important is the willingness to

can accelerate the formation of effective coalitions

learn from setbacks, using them as opportunities

and enhance their resilience.

to adapt strategies and strengthen the coalition’s resilience.

4. EMPHASIZE INTERSECTORAL COLL ABORATION lighting the interdependent nature of urban chal-

9 . S U S TA I N E N G A G E M E N T T H R O U G H S H A R E D VALUES

lenges and the benefits of diverse perspectives and

• Keep the coalition engaged and motivated

resources. Intersectoral collaboration can lead to

over time by emphasizing shared values and the eth-

innovative solutions that no single sector could

ical imperative of working towards spatial justice.

achieve alone.

Shared values can help sustain commitment even

Encourage collaboration across sectors by high-

5. DEVELOP CLE AR COMMUNICATION CHANNELS Establish clear and open channels of communi-

when faced with challenges or slow progress.

10. ADVOCATE FOR SYSTEMIC CHANGE

cation among coalition members to facilitate effec-

• Use the coalition’s collective voice to advo-

tive coordination, share information, and address

cate for systemic changes in policies, practices, and

conflicts constructively. Regular meetings, shared

societal norms that perpetuate spatial injustices.

online platforms, and transparent decision-making

Effective advocacy can leverage the coalition’s diverse

processes can support this.

membership to speak powerfully on issues of common concern.

6. CRE ATE A FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION

Building coalitions for change in the context of

Develop a clear framework for collective action

spatial justice requires a commitment to collabora-

that outlines roles, responsibilities, and strategies

tion, diversity, and action. By uniting around shared

for achieving shared goals. This framework should

goals and leveraging the strengths of a broad range

be flexible enough to accommodate the dynamics

of stakeholders, these coalitions can drive significant

of coalition work while providing enough structure

transformations in urban planning and governance,

to guide concerted efforts.

moving us closer to achieving fair, sustainable, and just cities.

7. CAPITALIZE ON DIVERSE STRENGTHS Recognise and capitalise on the diverse strengths, resources, and expertise that each member brings to the coalition. This might include community knowledge, academic research, policy influence, or financial resources, among others.

CHALLENGES & FUTURE DIRECTIONS

39

UP2030 THIS REPORT WAS CONCEIVED IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE HORIZON PROJECT UP 2030 SPATIAL PLANNING AND DESIGN READY FOR 2030.

HTTPS://UP2030-HE.EU 40

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

THE AUTHORS

HUGO LOPEZ RESEARCHER UP2030 AT THE DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. H. LOPEZ@TUDELFT.NL

JULIANA GONÇALVES ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SPATIAL PLANNING & STRATEGY AT THE DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. J.E.GONCALVES@TUDELFT.NL

R O BERTO ROC C O ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF SPATIAL PLANNING & STRATEGY AT THE DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. R.C.ROCCO@TUDELFT.NL

MA R CIN DABR O WSK I ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SPATIAL PLANNING & STRATEGY AT THE DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. M.M.DABROWSKI@TUDELFT.NL

CHALLENGES & FUTURE DIRECTIONS

41

Centre for th Just Ci

42 42

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

e he ity

T H E C EN T RE F OR T H E J U ST C IT Y The Centre for the Just City was founded at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at the Delft University of Technology in response to the pressing challenges of rampant social inequalities affecting urban spaces’ cohesion and sustainability.

Recognising the vital need to address these issues, the Centre emerged as a platform for research, education, and outreach activities to create just cities.

Since its inception, the Centre has been at the forefront of bridging theory and practice, fostering collaborations, and influencing policies and actions that contribute to making cities equitable, sustainable, and inclusive.

Our values are Equity, Respect, Excellence and Diversity We believe in fostering cities and communities where opportunities and resources are distributed fairly and every individual’s rights and dignity are upheld.

We are committed to cultivating a culture of mutual respect, recognising and valuing the diversity of perspectives, and encouraging dialogue and understanding.

Our commitment to excellence drives our research, education, and outreach efforts, ensuring rigour, innovation, and impact.

Embracing diversity in all its forms, we value the plurality of experiences, cultures, and ideas as essential components of creating inclusive and just urban environments.

J U ST -C IT Y.ORG 43

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION This report assesses how Spatial Justice is considered in the current urban sustainability transition plans of cities.

The transformation of society presupposes a collective ownership and management of space founded on the permanent participation of the “interested parties,” with their multiple, varied, and even contradictory interests.

It thus also presupposes confrontation […].

Henri Lefebvre, THE PRODUCTION OF SPACE, OXFORD /CAMBRIDGE (MASSACHUSETTS),BLACKWELL, 1991.