Speaker
Description
The persistent divide between academic research and professional practice in spatial planning has long obstructed progress in addressing the complex realities of urban and regional development. While, on one hand, academic research prioritizes theoretical frameworks, long-term projections, and complex methodologies that advance knowledge, these contributions often fail to meet the immediate, context-specific needs of practitioners. On the other hand, planners, urban designers, and architects operate within constrained timeframes, political and economic contexts, and localized challenges, necessitating actionable, pragmatic solutions that academic research does not always provide. This gap is further widened by systemic barriers such as restricted access to scholarly publications, differences in communication styles, and the absence of “knowledge brokers” who can mediate between the two realms.
In response, this paper introduces re.te (REsearch for TErritory), an innovative start-up that seeks to bridge this divide by integrating research and practice through its “Design by Research” methodology. By combining rigorous scientific methods with multidimensional planning strategies, design and actions, re.te offers a replicable, but adaptable, framework for addressing spatial, environmental, and socio-economic challenges at multiple scales. Operating as a dynamic network, re.te provides tailored services to diverse stakeholders, including participatory workshops, spatial mapping, policy guidelines and scenario planning, ensuring that theoretical insights inform sustainable, practical solutions for territorial development.
This paper highlights re.te’s contribution to harmonizing innovation and impact in spatial planning. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing community participation, and leveraging emerging technologies, re.te addresses pressing urban challenges such as climate resilience, social equity, and economic stability. Its systematic approach demonstrates the potential of bridging theory and practice to create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities and regions. Through a detailed exploration of re.te’s methods, services, and operational philosophy, this paper provides a roadmap for other initiatives aiming to close the reimagine the relation between academic research and professional practice in planning disciplines.
| Keywords | Spatial planning; Urban development; Academic-practice divide; Design by Research |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
