Towards an integrated spatial planning framework for the city of Thessaloniki under the urban resilience model

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to perfom an actionable assessment of the major incidents that have taken place in the city of Thessaloniki starting from the beginning of the 20th century up to today, and in sequence the provision of directions for the development of an integrated spatial planning framework for the city of Thessaloniki toward urban resilience. In terms of methodology, the central design principles and tools driving urban resilience are investigated through the recently published literature, and afterwards these principles are transferred into the context of the city examined. The specific attributes of spatial planning for resilience include compact development, accessibility, multi-functionality, connectivity and modularity. These attributes are framed by a series of tools, referring more specifically to the existence of a conducive urban management mix, capitalisation on previous experience, the encouragement of bottom up engagement and the provision of tailored interventions in areas or sectors that call for special attention. It is observed that today Thessaloniki suffers form a deficit with regards to its adaptive planning capabilities. There is also shortness of data that wouldl allow the planning of targeted actions. Despite the difficulties, the history of the city up to today has demonstrated its ability to reorganise after natural and social disasters, while in recent years small and steady steps to enforce public participation have been made. The conclusions of the paper are synthesized into suggestions about the development of an integrated spatial planning framework which can be used to enhance resilience in the city of Thessaloniki.