Spatialising degrowth, degrowing urban planning

Abstract

In this introduction to the Special Issue titled Degrowth, Cities and Planning, we explore the urban dimension of a radical socio-ecological transformation inspired by the idea of degrowth, geared towards achieving humanity’s long-term wellbeing and sustainability. Although cities and urban planning should arguably play a central role in such a transition, the urban dimension of degrowth has remained largely unexplored. Bringing together the contributions to the Special Issue, we hope to strengthen degrowth by reflecting how its vision applies in urban contexts, and what insights and values from urban planning it might incorporate. At the same time, we explore the relevance of degrowth for urban planning itself, scrutinising urban development and planning from the degrowth perspective. Put simply, we work towards spatialising degrowth and degrowing urban planning.