In focus of this volume are five emerging megacities and mega-urban regions across the globe. Located in different climatic areas, determined by different economic development conditions and political frameworks each city has to address different local challenges. Based on various case studies and pilot projects, the book shows the early conceptualisation and the further organisation of integrative spatial planning and urban design for sustainable and more energy-efficient urban structures and the adaptation of cities to climate change.
As Europe integrates, international cooperation becomes essential, particularly in spatial development. The INTERREG III B project "COMMIN" aimed to create a shared communication framework for exchanging knowledge and experiences in spatial planning within the Baltic Sea region. To achieve this, project partners developed standardized information on institutional settings and spatial planning systems, along with a glossary of key terminology and fact sheets on various planning cases. Comprehensive information is available at www.commin.org, featuring national languages and English translations, although some countries lack official translations. The partners recognized the challenge of balancing legal precision with clear communication, as translation involves defining terms and navigating semantic differences. The German text prepared by a multidisciplinary team of planners, lawyers, economists, and administrative academics represents one of eleven information packages. This publication is unique in English and aims to enhance understanding of planning issues across Europe while facilitating the transfer of knowledge within countries. Acknowledging the differences between nations is crucial for fostering mutual understanding in spatial planning.
