Galland EPS 2012 - VBN

Understanding the Reorientations and Roles of Spatial Planning 1389
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mework, the article analysed the different orientations of national planning policy from its
genesis until today. The study showed that the initial consolidation of the planning system
in Denmark and its subsequent implementation were highly dependant on the steering role
that spatial planning mechanisms and practices played in the course of their first three
decades of existence. Moreover, the case also demonstrated that the major development
reorientation of the late 1980s implied that spatial planning adopted a balancing role,
which called for the integration of the sustainability agenda along with steering and strategic
objectives, respectively. Together with the strategic role of spatial planning, this role
has prevailed to varying degrees throughout the following two decades. Finally, the analysis
confirmed that during most of the 1990s and also by the mid-2000s, spatial planning
largely took on a strategic role, which resulted in the establishment of new conditions
as means to address inter alia the challenges of the government’s globalization agenda.
Furthermore, the case of Denmark showed that spatial planning roles are neither
adopted exclusively nor independently from one another. In spite of the fact that a steering
role was solely assumed during the first decades, recent experience has shown that different
roles could be simultaneously adopted regardless of whether they do so in a supplementary
manner or by entirely substituting a former role. In terms of spatial logics
and conceptualizations, the study described how the former urban hierarchy pattern was
linked to the general idea of achieving equal development. This logic was then supplemented
by European spatial concepts concerned with territorial development. In aligning
with a new competitiveness agenda, the urban hierarchy logic and the concepts
ascribed to it came to be replaced by a differentiated planning approach and renovated
spatial concepts that generated a new settlement pattern. Based on these facts, it can be
concluded that shifts in spatial reasoning seem to be inherently linked with particular
development trends that emerge over time. In this case, such tendencies were influenced,
respectively, by national (societal) needs (1960s/1970s) and international growth-oriented
agendas (1990s/2000s).
In closing, the outcome of this case implies that national planning policy has importantly
evolved in function of major economic development tendencies. Taken as a
whole, this study could contribute to inform discussions regarding how spatial planning
is shaped and undertaken in practice. The paper could similarly contribute to inspire
further research that seeks to compare and contrast the orientations and roles adopted
by spatial planning in different parts of Europe.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Niels Østergård, Bue Elkjær Nielsen and Peder Baltzer
Nielsen for providing in-depth insights concerned with the evolution of national spatial
planning policy in Denmark. Two anonymous journal referees have provided very insightful
comments and suggestions in an earlier version of the paper.
Notes
1. Based on his own analysis, Brenner (2004, pp. 479–480) views these configurations as forms of urban
governance, which he classifies in accordance with historical formation periods: Spatial Keynesianism
(early 1960s to early 1970s); Fordism in Crisis (early 1970s to early 1980s); Glocalization Strategies
Round I (1980s); and Glocalization Strategies Round II (1990s and onwards). While a description of