Spatial planning: prospects and developments from the Italian paradigm

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present and critically evaluate the making of the post-war planning system in Italy, in view of identifying those key elements that (irrespective of their positive of negative impact) can contribute to the broader European planning debate and even more to the one in a Southern context as in Greece. The paper examines first the administrative and governance system in Italy and secondly as an integral part of the latter: the planning system. At a third stage the emphasis is given on the analysis of the conventional versus innovative facets of the Italian planning system. Finally the paper focuses on the recent developments stipulated by the interplay between central and regional institutional legislative initiatives.