Theme: This event will present and discuss some of the current planning trends and ideas in the Nordic countries. What is in particular ‘at stake’ in planning in the Nordic countries at the moment, and how might this relate to a wider AESOP audience? This is partly in order to introduce the recently established AESOP Thematic Group on Nordic Planning, and partly to discuss similarities and differences in Nordic Planning with a broader AESOP and global audience.

Inevitably, in discussing such overall trends, the event will also bring into attention how the COVID pandemic seems to have pushed forward or changed agendas in relation to spatial development and planning. For instance, increases in telecommuting and multilocality, internet-trading and shopping, activity in the housing and second-home market, outdoor recreational activities, etc. How do we see this after the crisis? Based on ‘best guesses’ and some initial views to post-COVID living, what do we think could be the implications to spatial development and hence to planning? Will our spatial governance and planning systems be well suited for post-COVID? What new challenges and opportunities can be expected for planning? New trends towards more rural living? Counter-urbanisation (sub)trends? Reorganisation of general services? Etc.

Host: The AESOP Nordic Planning TG and Aalborg University. Contacts: Carsten Jahn Hansen, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Aalborg University, and Raine Mäntysalo, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Aalto University

Format: An afternoon session, open-for-all from AESOP and broader international research audiences, and planning practitioners with an interest in Nordic planning. ** When: 25th August 2021. Platform: Teams**

Participation and registration: It is free to join. Please register to the event by sending an email to Carsten Jahn Hansen, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 19th August 2021. Registered participants will receive a Teams-link a few days before the event.

Program:

13.00-13.20: Introduction: Nordic planning – what is it?

13.20-13.35: Finland – planning legislation reform and introduction of continuous urban-regional development monitoring policy / Raine Mäntysalo, Aalto University

13.35-13.50: Sweden – Simplifying to shorten detail planning processes. Regional and local planning to support fossil free energy and industry / Kristina L. Nilsson, Luleå University of Technology

13.50-14.05: Planning trends in Iceland / Sigridur Kristjánsdóttir, The Agricultural University of Iceland

14.05-14.20: Break

14.20-14.35: Norway – Criticism of planning results, revision of sectoral state wind-power planning, effect of COVID19 on planning / Inger-Lise Saglie, Norwegian University of Life Sciences

14.35-14.50: Denmark – New intertwined planning spaces, sharpened sustainability goals and regional-local development / Carsten Jahn Hansen, Aalborg University

14.50-15.10: Comparison of planning trends in the Nordic countries – and how this may relate to a broader AESOP audience / Lukas Smas & Peter Schmitt, Stockholm University

15.10-15.25: Break

15.25-16.10: Discussion. Short round of reflections from the presenters, followed by an open discussion.