Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
transnational level (Nadin, 2000). Zonneveld (2003) pointed out that the current
generation of transnational spatial visions are overloaded with (sometimes contra-
dictory) functions and expectations, that stand in sharp contrast to the status of the
documents, which essentially are the expression of consensus reached within
small groups of experts.
Besides the Interreg spatial visions there have also been initiatives to develop
non-binding planning strategies for larger territories. Most notably, these are the
CEMAT
Guiding Principles for Sustainable Spatial Development of the European
Continent
(CEMAT, 2000) and the ESDP (CSD, 1999) - which both lack policy
maps. Following the adoption of the ESDP, the French presidency in 2000 sug-
gested a 'Long-term polycentric vision of the European space' (DATAR, 2002).
The French proposals included a cartographic representation of a possible 'poly-
centric Europe' (see Figure 3.9), and have strongly influenced the CPMR study on
polycentrism in peripheral urban areas (CPMR, 2003) (cf. Figure 3.5).
At cross-border level, there are several examples of spatial development con-
cepts which promote a visualisation of joint policy options (cf. AG REK SLL
,
2002; BMVBW and IÖR, 2003), even though these are sometimes in highly
abstract form and therefore mainly aimed at supporting 'spatial positioning'
(Williams, 1996: 97) at this level of scale (Figure 3.10), rather than the communi-
cation of spatial policy options.
At national level there are also various examples of 'spatial visions'. For
example, over the last fifteen years the Nordic countries have been very active in
preparing spatial development perspectives (cf. BOVERKET, 1995a; Ministry of
the Environment Finland, 1995). In Denmark, the National Planning Reports have
since the early 1990s increasingly sought to clarify Denmark's position in a Euro-
pean context and to foster transnational co-operation (Ministry of Environment
Denmark, 1992; Ministry of Environment and Energy Denmark, 1997) (cf. Figure
1.6). Outside the legal planning system, and in response to the changing context
following reunification, increasing attention has been given to the preparation of
spatial
Leitbilder
or guiding policy principles for the federal German territory (cf.
Chapter 4). Generally, these national planning reports or 'visions' are non-binding,
and therefore rely on the communicative and persuasive power of policy text and
images for implementation at regional and local level.
In summary, there has been growing interest in scenario-building as well as
the elaboration of spatial visions both within European member states and at trans-
national and European levels over recent years. Although the differences between
'scenarios' and 'visions' are not always explicit in the literature, scenarios can
be understood as a method to arrive at the development of a normative 'spatial
vision' or
Leitbild.
There is strong emphasis on the methodology or technique for
scenarios, which is - although based on quantitative data, analyses, indicators and
