Building a Meta-Framework to 'Address' Spatial Quality

• Published in: International planning studies Vol. 18; no. 3-4; pp. 389 - 409
• Main Authors: Moulaert, Frank, Van Dyck, Barbara, Khan, Ahmed Z., Schreurs, Jan
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester Routledge 01.11.2013; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Conceptualization; Economic sociology; History and organization of sociology; History, theory and methodology; Methodology; Organization of profession, research and teaching. Deontology. Sociology of sociology. Epistemology; Planning. National and regional planning; Research methodology; Sociology; Sociology of economy and development; Spatial analysis; Strategic planning; Studies; Territory; Urban design; Urban planning; Space; Architecture; Epistemology; Urban planning; Quality; Interdisciplinary relation; National and Regional Planning; Metatheory; Spatial Planning
• ISSN: 1356-3475; 1469-9265
• DOI: 10.1080/13563475.2013.837137

Spatial quality is a contested notion due mainly to its uneven conceptualization and methodological translation across fields in which space is a key concern. This article presents the building up of an inter- and transdisciplinary methodological meta-framework to analyse, assess and work towards spatial quality. It explains the thematic cross-reading of spatial quality across three fields (social innovation in territorial development, strategic spatial planning, urban design). By use of a relational approach connecting seven dimensions of spatial quality and its making, and building on the symbiotic strengths of the three fields, it formulates a meta-theoretical framework as the central piece of a coherent joined-up methodological guide to address spatial quality.