Spatial Justice Evaluation Ro de Janeiro Plan for Sustainable Development and Climate Action by Roberto Rocco

UP2030 URBAN PLANNING & DESIGN READY FOR 2030

JUSTICE SPATIAL EVALUATION

RIO DE JANEIRO

LOPEZ, GONÇALVES, ROCCO & DABROWSKI

UP2030 SPATIAL PLANNING & DESIGN READY FOR 2030

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. This project has received funding from the Horizon Innovation Actions under the grant agreement n° 101096405.

This Spatial Justice Evaluation has been developed within the framework of the UP2030 Horizon project, generously funded by the European Union. As a cornerstone contribution to work package three, this evaluation aligns with the project's overarching goals of innovating and enhancing spatial justice in urban planning and design by 2030. Furthermore, it is a complementary resource to the spatial justice benchmarking tool developed by the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). This integration ensures that the evaluation not only provides theoretical insights and practical guidance for advancing Spatial Justice but also aligns with cutting-edge research and tools designed to measure and improve spatial justice outcomes. Through this collaborative effort, the evaluation aims to empower practitioners, scholars, and policymakers with the knowledge and strategies needed to create more equitable, inclusive, and just urban environments, reflecting the shared commitment of the UP2030 Horizon project and its contributors to fostering Spatial Justice on a global scale.

COLOPHON

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

THE SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION ASSESSES HOW SPATIAL JUSTICE IS CONSIDERED IN THE CURRENT URBAN SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITION PLANS OF 10 EUROPEAN CITIES. WITH A PRESSING NEED FOR SYSTEMATIC CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSES OF EQUITY IN CLIMATE ACTION, RESILIENCE, CARBON NEUTRALITY, AND OTHER SECTORAL TRANSITIONS, THIS STUDY ADDRESSES A GAP BY FOCUSING ON THE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF SUSTAINABILITY. IT AIMS TO EXPOSE DOCUMENTS TO THE VALUES OF SPATIAL JUSTICE AS PART OF AN EVALUATION OF URBAN SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITIONS.

KEYWORDS: SPATIAL JUSTICE, SOCIO-TECHNICAL URBAN TRANSITIONS TO SUSTAINABILITY, JUST TRANSITIONS, BENCHMARKING, EVALUATION

EDITED BY HUGO LOPEZ

JULIANA GONÇALVES ROBERTO ROCCO MARCIN DABROWSKI

PUBLISHED BY TU DELFT OPEN PUBLISHING | DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, THE NETHERLANDS

ISBN/EAN: XXXX

DOI: XXXXXXXX

THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT HTTPS://XXXX

Every attempt has been made to ensure the correct source of images and other potentially copyrighted material was ascertained, and that all materials included in this book have been attributed and used according to their license. If you believe that a portion of the material infringes someone else’s copyright, please contact roberto rocco at r.c.rocco@tudelft.nl

RECOGNITION

SPATIAL JUSTICE

DISTRIBUTIVE PROCEDURAL

PREFACE

INTEGRATING JUSTICE INTO URBAN PLANNING AND POLICY MAKING

INTEGRATING JUSTICE INTO URBAN PLANNING AND POLICY-MAKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR CREATING EQUITABLE, SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE, AND RESILIENT CITIES THAT CATER TO THE NEEDS OF ALL CITIZENS, THUS ATTAINING TRUE SUSTAINABILITY. BY “TRUE SUSTAINABILITY”, WE MEAN THE SIMULTANEOUS OCCURRENCE OF SUSTAINABILITY’S THREE CRUCIAL DIMENSIONS (SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC), WHICH ARE MUTUALLY DEPENDENT AND MUTUALLY REINFORCING.

WHAT IS SPATIAL JUSTICE

In this evaluation, we explore the application of Spatial Justice, a three-dimensional framework summarised in the figure below. Since everything happens somewhere, space plays a definitive role (albeit not a deterministic one) in how social processes shape up. At the same time, justice is a human institution that serves as both a moral and legal framework that

seeks to balance individual rights with the common good, ensuring that all members of a society have the opportunity to lead fulfilling and prosperous lives.

At the heart of the idea of justice lies a profound question: How can we live together? And how can we coexist harmoniously with our planet? In light of our current unsustainable practices, we are also compelled to ask: How can we revolutionise our interactions with our cities, our planet, and one another, to nurture a world where both human and ecological well-being are realised?

RECOGNITION

addresses the needs and aspirations of vulnerable and marginalised individuals, groups, and communities.

DISTRIBUTIVE

addresses the burdens and benefits of human association in cities and communities.

SPATIAL JUSTICE

PROCEDURAL

addresses the processes and governance of the built environment to not reproduce, maintain, or create new inequalities. In turn, reinforcing many levels of engagement from the residents.

Spatial Justice seeks to rectify imbalances that create disparities in how different groups experience their environment. It advocates for a more just allocation of spaces and resources that support community needs and aspirations and for more empowering and engaging processes that allow that to happen.

Spatial Justice encompasses three fundamental, indissociable and mutually-supporting dimensions: distributive, procedural, and recognition.

The Distributive dimension concerns the equitable distribution of resources, benefits, and burdens of our lives in society across different geographical areas or communities. It strives to ensure that no group or locality is systematically disadvantaged regarding access to essential services, amenities, or economic opportunities. Distributive justice addresses issues like fair allocation of public goods, infrastructure, and environmental quality to prevent spatial inequalities.

The Procedural dimension focuses on the fairness of decision-making processes related to urban development and planning. It emphasises inclusive governance, participation, transparency and accountability. In this dimension, a wide range of stakeholders should have a voice in shaping policies, regulations, and development plans, ensuring that decision-making procedures are open, accountable, and considerate of diverse perspectives, with particular attention to the pleas of disadvantaged or historically oppressed communities.

The Recognition dimension addresses the needs and aspirations of various marginalised and vulnerable individuals, groups, and communities. It emphasises validating the rights and values, respecting and supporting alternative collective practices, and considering values, qualities, and long-term influences of communities and diverse lifestyles. This includes recognising their unique socio-spatial dynamics.

These dimensions are integral and essential to Spatial Justice. They need to work in concert to ensure that urban development not only distributes

resources fairly but also recognises the diverse needs and aspirations of urban populations and actively engages them in decision-making.

WHY JUSTICE MATTERS

TO URBAN PLANNING AND POLICYMAKING

The necessity for Spatial Justice arises from acknowledging that space is not a neutral backdrop to human activity but is actively produced, shaped, and contested by social processes, power dynamics, and institutional practices. At the same time, justice must underscore all actions taken to promote sustainability. John Rawls (1971) affirmed that justice is the foundational virtue of social institutions, just as truth is for systems of thought. Therefore, any law or institution, no matter how efficient or well-organised, must be reformed or abolished if it is unjust.

In the evolving discourse about how to steer our cities and communities towards a fair and sustainable future, the concept of spatial justice emerges as both a "meaning-giver" and a "sense-maker" for urban development policy and projects. It does so by providing a critical lens through which the spatial dimensions of justice and equity can be understood and addressed. In urban development, space is not neutral; it reflects and reproduces social inequalities and power dynamics. By applying spatial justice principles, urban planners and policymakers can recognise and analyse the ways in which urban spaces either perpetuate inequality or contribute to more equitable outcomes.

As "meaning-giver", Spatial Justice provides a more profound framework for understanding the complex interactions between space, society, and the environment. It helps us reflect on how urban policies and projects impact different communities and individuals, particularly those who are marginalised

or disadvantaged. This perspective gives meaning to collective, public action, fostering a holistic approach to urban development, one that considers the spatial implications of policy decisions and seeks to create environments that are socially inclusive, empowering and regenerative.

As a "sense-maker", Spatial Justice encourages a systematic value-based rethinking of urban development based on a clear three-dimensional framework that addresses multiple aspects simultaneously.

Urban areas are mosaics of diverse communities with unique needs, aspirations, and challenges. Without a justice-oriented approach, urban planning and policy-making risk exacerbating social

to economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. Integrating spatial justice with social sustainability is essential for good policy design. By doing so, cities can become places of care, resilience, and solidarity, capable of meeting current and future challenges.

TO SUSTAINABILITY

As overlapping socio-ecological crises affect cities and regions, the intersection between Spatial Justice and social sustainability is a critical nexus where equitable access to urban spaces and resources meets the long-term livelihood of communities.

POOR URBAN PLANNING AND POLICYMAKING

CAN EXACERBATE EXISTING INEQUALITIES, CONCENTRATING DISADVANTAGE IN CERTAIN AREAS

WHILE PRIVILEGING OTHERS.

inequalities, allowing environmental degradation and economic disparities, and ultimately undermining the urban social fabric of cities.

The integration of justice dimensions into urban planning and policymaking is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for addressing complex urban challenges that require collective imagination and collective action. Justice-oriented planning aims to reorient urban development to address social sustainability consistently and, in turn, make groups (and thus the city) more resilient to shocks and stresses. Furthermore, a justice-based approach can drive innovation and sustainability by fostering environments where diverse ideas and solutions are welcomed and where social equity is seen as integral

Social sustainability refers to a community's ability to develop processes and structures that not only meet the needs of its current members but also support future generations' ability to live healthy and prosperous lives. It is the bedrock on which environmental sustainability can be grounded and is founded on well-functioning political, institutional and legal systems that deliver just outcomes regarding the distribution of environmental, economic and social burdens and benefits of development and growth.

A key aspect of social sustainability is the ability to set up institutions that can steer and govern the socio-economic and environmental development of a community. Thus, it is not possible to have environmental or economic sustainability without social

sustainability. In fact, Spatial Justice is a pillar of environmental sustainability. It advocates for policies and practices that foster a balance between its three dimensions to achieve long-term sustainability and true resilience.

At this intersection lies the understanding that for human institutions to be sustainable, they must also be just. By integrating Spatial Justice values in social sustainability, urban initiatives can foster environmentally and economically sustainable societies characterised by social cohesion that does not undermine difference, equal opportunity that considers how multiple dimensions of identity (e.g., race, gender, class, etc) intersect to shape individuals' experiences of injustice, and the fostering of a strong sense of belonging, agency, and care for the commons between inhabitants.

JUST SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITIONS: LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND

Just sustainability transitions encompass the holistic transformation of socio-technical systems towards more sustainable and equitable futures, ensuring that no one is left behind. The concept of a “just transition” integrates social justice with environmental sustainability, highlighting that efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation must also tackle social inequalities.

Socio-technical transitions to sustainability involve profound, systemic changes in energy production, consumption patterns, mobility, and other fundamental systems. To address it, many urban concepts like the Smart City, the 15-minute city, and the Circular city have emerged as "best practices". These and other narratives around sustainability, adaptation,

and resilience often lack a justice perspective. The Spatial Justice lens reinforces that resilience and adaptation should address not just a matter of physical infrastructure or environmental management but also systemic inequalities that would still keep communities susceptible to harm. Moreover, critical research has shown that these initiatives have often exacerbated inequalities and created new forms of dispossession.

Just transitions recognise that technological innovations alone are insufficient for sustainability; they must be accompanied by changes in social practices, cultural norms, regulatory frameworks, and economic structures. In addition, some scholars argue that the focus of cities on strategies and action comes at the expense of efforts in developing coherent long-term city visions embracing the heterogeneity of the city's everyday life. An imbalance between vision, strategy and action leads to the disconnection between short-term action and long-term planning. A major criticism of current sustainability visions is their reliance on so-called "experts", which often leads to exclusionary processes and businessas-usual outcomes detached from citizens’ lived experiences. This lack of a collective vision can result in public detachment, protests, political polarisation, and threats to democracy.

WHY TO EVALUATE SPATIAL JUSTICE

To bring about consequential change, Spatial Justice requires a re-evaluation of urban planning and policy. In that effort, processes are as important as outcomes. The goal of this report is to evaluate Spatial Justice in urban sustainability transition plans, enhance the discussion about how justice considerations inform urban transitions to better account for disadvantaged groups, and leverage these plans

to refine relevant steps of the planning processes, such as vision statements, proposals, and for monitoring the redistribution of benefits and burdens across the city.

Despite growing interest in Spatial Justice, practical applications are lacking, with the distributive dimension often receiving more attention. This highlights the need for a comprehensive assessment method that encompasses the three mutually-reinforcing dimensions of Spatial Justice: Recognition, Procedural, and Distributive.

To address this limitation, the TU Delft, as part of the UP2030 project, developed the Spatial Justice Package to help support efforts to include Spatial Justice in planning and design processes. This package encompasses six products tailored for specific users and audiences. This report includes four of these tools. They are:

1. The Spatial Justice Conceptual Model (SJCM): Based on an extensive literature review at the intersection of justice, spatial justice, and planning, the SJCM conceptualises Spatial Justice by defining three applicable components and goals for each dimension (Recognition, Procedural, and Distributive). When approached as an analytical framework, it allows for a structured and comprehensive way of assessing how aspects of Spatial Justice are considered in planning and design while drawing attention to the underlying components that compose each dimension.

2. The Spatial Justice Matrix (SJM): It is a set of criteria that represent qualitative benchmarks to promote the consistent application of justice values and just standards in urban planning and in broader aspects of governance (policy, programmes, projects, reports, etc.). It also provides explanations and examples connect to each criterion.

3. The Spatial Justice Benchmarking Tool (SJBT): It is a qualitative evaluation tool designed to

measure the application of justice considerations in the urban governance and planning of a city or region, assisting evaluation and reflection. It defines "levels of justice", from "Low" to "Embedded", by assigning a score to the case being assessed against the highlighted components of the Spatial Justice Conceptual Model. It also provides visualisations in a dashboard that assist in the reflection about and the improvement of processes and outcomes towards spatial justice.

4. The Justice Readiness Level (JRL): It is a complementary visual tool to monitor how justice is considered in urban planning and design. It aims to provide a shared understanding of justice considerations across many aspects of urban planning and design processes. Inspired by the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) method, the JRL provides a standard language that can be used across disciplines and organisations to better communicate and assess justice. This bundle is organised as the Spatial Justice Evaluation Dashboard. This dashboard facilitates the categorisation and scoring of different highlights of the plan. It then provides the visuals and scores for this report.

METHODOLOGY

HOW TO EVALUATE SPATIAL JUSTICE CONSIDERATIONS

The Spatial Justice Package gathers tools that allow for a structured and comprehensive way of analysing and evaluating how Spatial Justice is considered in planning and design, while providing recommendations and inspiring actions to take aspects of Spatial Justice forward.

An analytical framework is a structured approach or set of principles used to analyse and interpret data, phenomena, or processes. It provides a systematic way to organise information, identify patterns, and draw conclusions about a particular subject or topic of study. In that sense, the Spatial Justice Evaluation Dashboard works as a step further in giving meaning and making sense in the evolving discourse about how to propel cities and communities towards fair and sustainable futures. It serves as an analytical lens through which academics and practitioners can examine spatial phenomena and urban governance, assessing Spatial Justice through its components.

WORKFLOW

DATA-GATHERING: URBAN SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITION PLANS

Urban sustainability transition plans have many formats. Urban Strategic Planning is distinct from conventional urban planning approaches such as master plans or comprehensive development plans, since they focus on governance and implementation. This report focuses on strategic documents that guide municipal decisions in urban planning. Strategic urban

planning involves defining a vision, organising actions around goals, and making decisions about resource allocation to achieve those goals. This process helps align various actors by clearly communicating vision, strategies, objectives and actions. In our database, we have asked the participating municipalities in the Horizon Europe UP2030 project to provide us with the documents that inform their planning of their transition strategies. Our sample has different formats, such as resilience strategies and climate action plans. They also have different focuses; some are integrative while some address a single sectoral transition. In common, they are all city-wide plans, which address the same level of governance.

FILTERING HIGHLIGHTS: THE VSOA METHOD

The Values, Strategies, Objectives, and Actions (VSOA) methodology is employed to extract core information from the documents, since most urban sustainability transition plans are strategic planning documents. The VSOA method unpacks the primary messages the plan communicates. Initially, this method does not adopt a perspective on justice; instead, it identifies the most crucial elements and the plan's aspirations and proposals. Subsequently, these highlights allow for the identification of justice considerations.

This methodology provides a structure for analysing the key elements of urban plans and for understanding how values are articulated and translated into actionable items. It helps identify the overarching vision, the strategies to achieve it, the specific objectives outlined, and the concrete actions proposed. Visions are long-term, aspirational statements that describe a desired future for the city or urban area. A vision captures the community's values and ideals and provides a sense of direction for the planning process. It helps stakeholders understand the overall purpose and potential of the city they want

to create. Visions usually require additional scoping before they can be implemented, which begs the unpacking of strategies, objectives, and actions.

Strategies in urban planning are a set of coordinated actions that lead to goals set in the vision. They outline the broad methods and purposes of the planning processes.

Objectives are mid- and long-term outcomes the stakeholders agree are the most important to fulfilling the vision, connecting different goals and city values. They usually consider the "SMART" framework (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). Objectives serve as the basis for setting priorities, allocating resources, and evaluating the success of the planning efforts.

Actions refer to the specific projects, policies, programs, and initiatives undertaken to carry-out a strategy. These are the tangible steps to implement the strategies defined by the city authorities and other involved stakeholders. Actions require collaboration between different stakeholders and levels of governance in their implementation, data monitoring and impact evaluation.

In this methodology, the highlights of the documents are organised by sentence. This is the first layer of analysis, identifying the aspirations and proposals of the plan. The next steps will rely on this data to evaluate Spatial Justice considerations.

THE SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION DASHBOARD

The previous step highlighted the document's foundational and propositional aspects with the VSOA methodology. These are then categorised in the Spatial Justice Evaluation Dashboard, a platform that bundles the already presented SJCM, SJR, SJBT, and JRL. The dashboard is used to organise, score, and visualise the evaluation of spatial justice considerations in urban planning and governance documents.

The dashboard allows the user to assign a component of the Spatial Justice Conceptual Model to each highlight of the document (9 options). According to this classification, each highlight receives a score informed by the "levels of justice" of the SJBT (5 options). As the scores are being given, the dashboard provides a visuals of the combined scores, supporting the assessment.

CATEGORISING JUSTICE CONSIDERATIONS: THE SPATIAL JUSTICE CONCEPTUAL MODEL

Each component of the SJCM focuses on an important aspect of a Spatial Justice dimension, making each dimension more practical for the evaluation of how Spatial Justice is considered in the plan.

As we have mentioned, Spatial Justice has three mutually-reinforcing dimensions: Recognition, Procedural, and Distributive. The Recognition dimension's components are "Validation", "Care practices", and "Foster pluriverse". The first component emphasises the importance of legal frameworks in recognising and protecting the intrinsic value and dignity of individuals and groups as moral agents. The second component highlights the need to learn from and support alternative collective practices that uplift disadvantaged communities, such as engagement in everyday practices and the management of communal resources. The third component calls for a profound transformation, advocating for considering the values, qualities, and unique socio-spatial dynamics of non-hegemonic cultures and communities.

The Procedural dimension's components are "Democratic engagement", "Adaptive processes" and "Responsive governance". The first component focuses on empowering people through continuous, meaningful interactions between individuals and government, ensuring that urban policies reflect the community's needs and knowledge. The second component addresses the self-actualisation of

institutions, advocating for fairness in their processes with a commitment to justice as a foundational virtue. The third component highlights the need for institutions to build trust by ensuring that processes are fair, transparent, and sustainable. It concerns planning and monitoring. These three components emphasise the importance of democratic engagement, institutional justice, and trust-building in creating sustainable and equitable urban policies.

The Distributive dimension's components are "Fair allocation", "Access", and "Appropriation". The first component concerns the fair allocation of burdens and benefits, aiming to correct socio-spatial disparities and address the root causes of inequality. The second component highlights the importance of improving life chances by ensuring that individuals and households can easily reach and benefit from educational, economic, and environmental opportunities. The third component centres on empowering people to transform and utilise accessible resources, challenging inequalities and emphasising the importance of redistribution for enabling individuals to enhance their capabilities and life outcomes.

SCORING JUSTICE CONSIDERATIONS: THE SPATIAL JUSTICE BENCHMARKING TOOL

The scores in the SJBT assist in providing a benchmark for evaluating every highlight of the document. The focus of each component in the SJCM is reflected in slight differences in scoring "levels of justice" for each highlight. The scoring system follows a similar structure for every component, with five options: Low (-3) indicates a lack of attention to Spatial Justice, with no engagement with its ethical, moral, or political aspects. Starting (-1) reflects initial concerns about disparities, with early efforts to recognise issues but no prioritisation of Spatial Justice or its criteria and aspects. Basic (0) shows explicit but limited consideration of Spatial Justice, often

focusing on one dimension with vague specifics on the what, how, or who is being addressed. Growing (+1) reveals a more profound concern, connecting at least two dimensions of Spatial Justice and specifying details about what, how, or who is involved in the action. Embedded (+3) represents a comprehensive integration of Spatial Justice aspects, where all dimensions are interlinked with clear specifications of the involved locations, processes, and groups. From the scores given to each highlight, a median score is calculated for each dimension of Spatial Justice.

REPORT: OVERVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The methodology and results are presented in a report format and offer a comprehensive evaluation system for spatial justice considerations in urban planning and design documents, helping to identify potential areas for improvement in justice considerations. This report provides an overview, recommendations, and inspirations from other cities to encourage discussion, reflection, and action. The report guides adjustments toward a justice-based approach in policies, processes, and projects, aiming to leverage urban sustainability transitions for the fair redistribution of burdens and benefits of urban change through engaging processes, responsive institutions, and more sensitive recognition of the needs and aspirations of the most vulnerable.

DATA

URBAN SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITION PLAN

FULL DOCUMENT

FILTER

CATEGORISATION

SCORING

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION DASHBOARD

SPATIAL JUSTICE DIMENSIONS

HIGHLIGHTS

COMMUNICATION

SPATIAL JUSTICE BENCHMARKING TOOL

RESULTS

SPATIAL JUSTICE CONCEPTUAL MODEL RECOMMENDATIONS

RESULTS

RIO DE JANEIRO

DOCUMENT: PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION

DOCUMENT ANALYSIS

RECOMMENDATIONS & INSPIRATIONS

DOCUMENT ANALYSIS

ABOUT THE DOCUMENT

The document analysed in this report is the "Sustainable Development and Climate Action Plan" (2021), which outlines Rio de Janeiro’s vision for 2050, aligning with global milestones like the Paris Agreement. It sets 10-year goals based on the UN 2030 Agenda, establishing a Local 2030 Agenda for Rio, and positioning the city as a leader in Latin America.

The plan focuses on improving quality of life by tackling inequalities, reducing poverty, eradicating hunger, and addressing climate change. It prioritises expanding public services like healthcare, education, and transport while emphasising innovation and measurable outcomes. The plan introduces "Sustainability Corridors" to strengthen municipal planning and support citizens’ life decisions. The PDS offers a rich portfolio of concrete actions, clear goals for 2030, and an ambitious climate vision for 2050. It is part of a broader municipal planning system, including Strategic Planning, the Master Plan, and Vision 500 for 2065. This analysis is based on the executive summary (in English) and a word search of the full document written in Portuguese.

VISION, STRATEGY, OBJECTIVE, ACTION

The methodology extracts the Vision, Strategies, Objectives, and Actions (VSOA) of urban sustainability transition plans. This filter highlights the most crucial elements of plans.

Vision: It outlines a bold and inclusive future focused on environmental sustainability, social equity, and resilient urban development. The city aims to become GHG emissions-free by 2050, with a strong

emphasis on innovation, participatory governance, and serving the most vulnerable citizens. Key priorities include improving public services, expanding healthcare and education, reducing income inequality, fostering climate justice, and creating a safe, inclusive urban space for all residents. The plan also envisions Rio as a leader in climate action, promoting green technologies, sustainable food systems, and infrastructure that supports healthy living, social integration, and cultural participation, with strong attention to public engagement, transparency, and regional cooperation.

Objectives: They emphasise a comprehensive approach to sustainability and resilience. Key goals include a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with the ultimate aim of carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan focuses on urban revitalisation, such as reforesting 3,550 hectares and doubling tree coverage in underserved areas. It prioritises social equity through improved public services, housing, and sustainable mobility while aiming to create 40% of jobs in the green economy. Energy efficiency, circular economy initiatives like recycling, and climate adaptation measures such as sustainable urban drainage and reducing food waste are central. Through these measures, the city seeks to establish itself as a global leader in sustainability, reinforcing the need for participatory governance and investment in smart city technologies.

Strategy: They focus on creating "Sustainability Corridors" that integrate green, brown, blue, and orange corridors to spatialise goals and actions for Rio's long-term urban transformation. These corridors prioritise expanding green infrastructure, densifying urban areas with sustainable land use, protecting water bodies, and addressing social inequalities through targeted socioeconomic interventions. The Plan emphasises combating climate change, enhancing walkability, promoting clean technologies, and fostering public participation through various

engagement strategies, including online tools and workshops. A governance structure ensures monitoring, adjustments, and integration across city departments to fulfil these goals and the UN's 2030 Agenda of "leaving no one behind."

Action: They demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to sustainable urban development, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives focus on enhancing environmental resilience, such as emergency climate response drills, reforestation, nature conservation, and reducing air pollution by transitioning to non-emitter vehicles. Additionally, the plan emphasises responsible resource management, including a sustainability code for water and buildings, promoting renewable energy through solar farms, and fostering regional food security. Public engagement is integral, with mechanisms for citizen monitoring and periodic reviews ensuring accountability and adaptation over time.

Word cloud: The image on the side shows a word cloud for the whole document, which further supports these observations. It reveals significant terms such as "ação" (action), "cidade" (city), and "climática" (climatic), with "ação" being the most frequent, highlighting a focus on urban interventions. Additionally, terms like "sustentabilidade" (sustainability) and "participação" (participation) indicate a concern for inclusive urban development. The prominence of governance-related words, including "governo" (government) and "governança" (governance), emphasises the role of political frameworks in addressing urban challenges. These insights strongly focus on action-oriented and participatory approaches to enhance urban sustainability and resilience.

The next step will evaluate these observations using the Spatial Justice lens.

Image X. Word cloud of the VSOAs in the full document in Portuguese (Threshold at 10 occurrences).

SPATIAL JUSTICE OVERVIEW

TSpatial Justice is an interdependent three-dimensional framework with Recognition, Procedural, and Distributive dimensions. The Recognition dimension concerns validating, caring, and fostering the needs and aspirations of vulnerable and marginalised individuals, groups, and communities. The Procedural dimension focuses on the fairness of decision-making processes, and the Distributive dimension concerns the equitable distribution of benefits and burdens, both related to urban development and planning.

The VSOA method highlighted the document's core aspects. Each aspect's prominent focus is categorised into dimensions and components using the framework built by the Spatial Justice Conceptual Model (SJCM).

Distributive dimension: The images below and on the next page show the component Fair Allocation, which is most mentioned. This indicates a strong

commitment to ensuring equitable resource distribution within urban contexts. The importance of Access underscores the necessity of ensuring that all community members can benefit from available resources. However, there is a significant oversight in recognising community ownership and rights over public spaces, essential for fostering community empowerment and engagement in urban planning.

Procedural dimension: Responsive Governance reflects a robust framework for adapting to community needs. However, the considerably lower focus on Democratic Engagement and Adaptive Processes points to a gap in actively involving citizens in decision-making processes and the flexibility of institutions to respond to evolving urban dynamics. This disparity highlights the need for improving participatory mechanisms to ensure that governance structures not only react to community needs but also engage citizens in shaping those responses, thereby enhancing overall democratic practices.

Image X. Number of codes per component

Recognition dimension: It shows moderate attention to Validation, reflecting some acknowledgment of diverse identities within urban planning. Yet, the low emphasis on Care Practices and Fostering Plurality reveals a lack of focus on nurturing empathetic relationships and understanding among community members. Strengthening these aspects

is vital for fostering social solidarity and resilience in urban environments.

Overall, the findings suggest a strong foundation in distributive justice while highlighting critical areas for improvement in procedural engagement and recognition practices to create a more comprehensive and inclusive urban planning strategy.

Distributive Procedural Recognition

Image X. Balance of Spatial Justice dimensions and components in the analysed document

SPATIAL JUSTICE SCORE

The Spatial Justice Benchmarking Tool's scoring method calculates scores for the levels of consideration of Spatial Justice in each of the coded sentences. This aids in reflecting, comparing, and improving processes (and outcomes) toward justice.

The evaluation of Spatial Justice considerations can be summarised as follows: Low (-3) indicates a lack of attention to Spatial Justice, with no engagement with its ethical, moral, or political aspects. Starting (-1) reflects initial concerns about disparities, with early efforts to recognise issues but no prioritisation of Spatial Justice or its criteria and aspects. Basic (0) shows explicit but limited consideration of Spatial Justice, often focusing on one dimension with vague specifics on the what, how, or who is being addressed. Growing (+1) reveals a more profound concern, connecting at least two dimensions of Spatial Justice and specifying details about what, how, or who is involved. Embedded (+3) represents a comprehensive integration of Spatial Justice aspects, where all dimensions are interlinked with clear specifications of the involved locations, processes, and groups. From these scores given in highlight, a median score is calculated for each dimension and each component of Spatial Justice.

Fair Allocation Challenges: The graphs on the next page show that although Fair Allocation is frequently mentioned, the negative median score indicates significant difficulties in achieving equitable resource distribution. This suggests that planned policies may not effectively address disparities, highlighting the need for improved strategies to ensure fairness in resource allocation.

Positive Access Indicators: The positive median score for Access reflects a commitment to ensuring all community members can engage with urban resources. This indicates progress toward enhancing social equity, although continued efforts are

necessary to maintain and improve accessibility across diverse populations.

Democratic Engagement Potential: Democratic Engagement showcases a high median score, suggesting effective practices in involving community members in decision-making. However, the few mentions indicate that these practices may not be widely implemented, signalling a need for continued and systematic integration of democratic processes in urban governance.

Mixed Outcomes in Governance and Validation: Both Responsive Governance and Validation have moderate performance, indicating that governance structures are somewhat adaptable to community needs and acknowledge diverse identities. However, there is room for improvement in ensuring that governance mechanisms fully embrace the complexity of community dynamics.

Opportunities for Enhancing Social Practices

: The low scores in Care Practices and Fostering Plurality reveal gaps in nurturing empathetic relationships and building community belonging. Addressing these areas is crucial for cultivating social ties and promoting social solidarity, which are essential for a resilient urban environment.

While the plan demonstrates a solid foundation in certain aspects of spatial justice, enhancing engagement and recognition is essential for fostering a truly equitable and resilient urban environment.

Distributive Procedural Recognition

Image X. Final median score per dimension

Image X. Final median score per component

CONCLUSION

The analysis of words related to Spatial Justice, the VSOAs, and the scores based on the Spatial Justice Benchmarking Tool provides a comprehensive evaluation of Spatial Justice considerations in the in the "Plan for Sustainable Development and Climate Action of the City of Rio de Janeiro".

POTENTIAL AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Reinforcing Fair Allocation Practices: There is a pressing need to enhance fair allocation mechanisms to ensure equitable distribution of urban resources. By developing transparent criteria and processes, the PDS can better address existing disparities, particularly for marginalised populations. The emphasis on “ação” (action) in the word cloud signals a public intention for active measures that rectify imbalances in resource distribution, promoting social equity and sustainability.

Expanding Access and Connectivity: While the PDS demonstrates a positive outlook on access, there remains significant room for improvement, especially in underserved neighborhoods. Efforts should focus on enhancing physical and digital infrastructure, such as public transportation and internet connectivity, to ensure all residents can equally participate in urban life.

Advancing Democratic Engagement: Given the PDS's favorable score in democratic engagement, there is an opportunity to further embed participatory practices within governance structures. Strengthening community engagement initiatives and creating inclusive decision-making platforms can help ensure that diverse voices are heard and represented.

Enhancing Governance Responsiveness: While governance mechanisms show moderate responsiveness, there is a need to improve their adaptability

to changing community needs. Establishing regular feedback loops and promoting collaboration among stakeholders will empower governance structures to evolve and respond more effectively to urban challenges.

Fostering Recognition Justice: The low scores in care practices and fostering pluriverse require targeted initiatives that promote social solidarity and community belonging. Community-building activities, cultural exchange programs, and support networks celebrating diversity can create an inclusive urban environment where all identities are valued.

JUSTICE READINESS LEVEL (JRL)

The Justice Readiness Level (JRL) is determined by the median of the Spatial Justice Benchmarking Tool (SJBT) scores across the dimensions. In this analysis, the plan received a score that places its JRL in between the "Basic" and "Growing" level.

At this stage, the plan indicates progress toward a deeper integration of Spatial Justice considerations. This score reflects a commendable commitment to aspects of Spatial Justice, explicitly acknowledging justice considerations and efforts to address systemic injustices. Policies and practices promoting equity and fair treatment are present, and there has been significant progress in reducing some of the most visible disparities. However, the integration of spatial justice remains limited, as the focus is primarily on a single dimension, and the actions taken, while meaningful, may still need more depth and interconnectedness required for a more transformative impact. As the plan evolves, it could move towards a more comprehensive approach, incorporating multiple aspects of Spatial Justice with greater specificity and integration.

JRL 3 | Basic principles of justice observed considerations are part of decision-making JRL 5 | Justice is considered in planning Justice is demonstrated in relevant environment

Basic principles of justice observed considerations are part of decision-making | Justice is considered in planning demonstrated in relevant environment

JRL 1 | No consideration for justice | General recognition of disparities

JRL 2 | General recognition of disparities

JRL 1 | No consideration for justice

Starting Basic 0 1,5 1,5 1 1 0,5 0,5 2 2 2,5 2,5 3 3 Growing Embedded

RECOMMENDATIONS

This Spatial Justice Evaluation is also connected to a Spatial Justice Rubric, which collects practical criteria, recommendations, and examples for each dimension and components of the Spatial Justice Conceptual Model.

NOVEL AND FAIR SOCIO-SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS

The plan's vision statements reflect a commitment to participatory governance and responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of disadvantaged citizens, prioritising areas such as healthcare, education, income inequality reduction, climate justice, and creating safe, inclusive urban spaces. The Guardiões dos Rios and Guardiões das Matas projects exemplify these values in action. The Guardiões dos Rios initiative, led by the Environmental Department (SMAC), focuses on cleaning and preserving the city's rivers, particularly in communities facing socio-economic challenges. Local residents are trained as agents to engage in waste removal, environmental education, and community dialogue about pollution and waste management.

Since its launch, the program has expanded its reach into high-need areas like Rocinha and the Complexo do Alemão, highlighting community involvement in addressing environmental issues. However, challenges remain, such as illegal dumping and inadequate waste management infrastructure. The increased volume of waste removed from rivers underscores the scale of the issue and the community's proactive engagement in seeking solutions. Exploring opportunities to broaden the program's impact, perhaps not only by extending initiatives to different city regions but by integrating other municipal departments to address these bigger challenges could be beneficial.

Ultimately, the project serves as a model for grassroots environmental management and spatial justice, emphasising the importance of community involvement and local knowledge in promoting urban sustainability. It fosters a novel socio-spatial arrangement of care for the environment and for the people. It aims to not only improve the condition of rivers but also to cultivate a sense of environmental responsibility among residents, empowering them to take an active role in nurturing their local ecosystems.

INCLUDE SPATIAL JUSTICE IN EVALUATIONS

Incorporating Spatial Justice into evaluations can be a valuable approach. Conducting multi-criteria evaluations that include justice aspects—such as the ones highlighted by the Spatial Justice Matrix— can help define equitable resource allocation and develop metrics to assess whether these allocations effectively meet the needs of prioritised communities.

It is essential to be mindful that the distribution of benefits and burdens in urban sustainability transitions aims to address, rather than reinforce, existing disparities and inequalities. By focusing on the fair allocation of public goods, basic services, cultural assets, economic opportunities, and healthy environments, Spatial Justice also seeks to redistribute burdens like pollution and undesirable facilities more equitably. The Spatial Justice Matrix offers a set of criteria which can enhance discussions and reflections on the benefits and burdens of urban sustainability transitions.

Adopting these guidelines and criteria can extend beyond simply being "green" or reducing emissions. Instead, they can be utilised to prioritise justice, fostering a deeper integration of justice values and considerations into the institution's processes, policies, and practices.

INSPIRATIONS

The participating cities of the UP2030 project have a great deal of knowledge and experience that could benefit one another. The examples below were found in other city plans and can work as inspiring projects, policies, initiatives, and more.

FROM AWARENESS TO ENABLING PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES

These references promote participation in the decision-making process of projects, programmes, and aspects of urban governance, from agenda-setting to the design, planning, and implementation of policies, programs, and projects.

Thessaloniki

• Establish a consultation process in the local neighbourhoods/community centres;

• Deliberation meetings to empower citizens and encourage them to get involved in the co-creation of their urban environment;

• Initiate participatory budgeting in Boroughs (governance areas under Municipal level) to put budget decisions directly in the hands of those directly affected;

• Build capacity in citizen empowerment through collaboration with institutions and initiatives specialised in civic education. Initiate a series of workshops, seminars, and consultation meetings at the Borough Centers that will offer training to citizens.

• Engage local experts (designers, web developers, etc.) to develop apps that engage, transfer, and share knowledge among organisations, community groups, and municipalities.

• Crowdsourcing ideas and promoting community

participation in specific areas of the city that are shared by everyone, especially around the city centre.

Milan

Creating a permanent body for the civic participation of the Milanese in the activities of the Air and Climate Plan starts from the vision of air and climate as collective goods to encourage the active involvement of citizens in the co-planning of climate actions. The permanent body will bring the voice of citizens into the Plan through continuous consultation mechanisms. Co-planning, monitoring and participating in the Plan's actions means not only giving life to participatory democracy actions but also activating virtuous processes of collective empowerment and shared knowledge.

IMPROVING FAIR ALLOCATION

The aim is not only to provide, but that those benefits correct spatial disparities and inequalities at their root, thereby leading to more equitable results. Achieving justice requires gaining control over the processes that produce unjust urban geographies.

Granollers

Adapted from the original action, the action concerns the promotion of mapped on-the-ground initiatives from citizens, with the collaboration of neighbourhood, social and environmental organisations. This includes bearing transaction costs in order to lighten the burdens in these initiatives. For example, the expenses incurred in providing materials or services, including the time, energy, and money spent on finding partners, negotiating terms, and ensuring compliance with agreements. These costs can involve opportunity costs, travel expenses, legal fees, and costs for monitoring and enforcement. This is central to issues related to 'externalities', particularly when

the external costs or benefits affect many third parties, making a change to more just procedures costly to negotiate.

Another reference is to “plan future actions in the city by mapping disused spaces, mediating between owners and entities to reach agreements on the use of the site, and offering advice to the entities involved.”

Spatial Justice Matrix

• Allow residents of a specific postcode in the city to collaborate with artists in creating public art that reflects their neighborhood's identity. Through brainstorming sessions and neighborhood explorations, residents can introduce themes that inspire the artworks. This project should emphasise community participation, with residents actively engaging in the creative process alongside artists. Beyond public art, this approach can also involve reimagining collective spaces in the neighborhood with a focus on communal approaches. This can help bridge communication between residents and the municipality, ensuring that the designs, supervision, and participatory events result in interventions that truly resonate with the community and exemplify fair distribution of benefits across the city. (Inspired by Endeavour | Expo 2018)

• Perform an analysis of public space that combines spatial and human behaviour observations to cross-check the current designs of public areas against their actual uses in real life. The analysis can provide observations, action points, and maps, and it can also be combined with a practical, interactive workshop with interested parties. For the workshops, the use of a combination of AI and human imagination can speed up the process of exploring alternative ways of looking at and thinking of public

space, helping practitioners and citizens alike to better understand the relationships people have with public spaces. Crucially, ensure that the discussed designs are evaluated using the Spatial Justice Benchmarking Tool to incorporate justice considerations and avoid overlooking equity issues in the development process. This method can support public spaces to be better used but also fair and inclusive. (Inspired by Good Public Space, Humankind).

CLIMATE ACTION THROUGH THE LENS OF SPATIAL JUSTICE

Belfast

One important criterion is to foster reflection on justice considerations, which involves creating opportunities for dialogue to review policies, processes, and procedures, as well as to reflect on progress and performance, particularly regarding how justice can drive positive change. One potential approach is holding regular evaluation meetings focusing on climate action through the lens of Spatial Justice, utilising insights from the Spatial Justice Conceptual Model and the Spatial Justice Matrix.

Additionally, we might draw inspiration from Belfast’s “Innovation and Inclusive Growth Commission,” a collaboration between Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Ulster University, and Queen’s University. This initiative aims to develop an integrated, inclusive, and long-term growth plan for the city, with recommendations that promote a decade-long focus on fostering a job-led transition to a zero-emissions economy. A similar collaborative effort could be beneficial, focusing on just urban transitions to ensure that all community voices are included in shaping a sustainable future.

TAKE ACTION

The Spatial Justice Package contains tools that assist in the action phase, connected to steps in the Strategic Planning Cycle:

The Spatial Justice Conceptual Model breaks down the concept of Spatial Justice into more applicable elements.

The Spatial Justice Rubric contain criteria, recommendations, and concrete references for application.

The Spatial Justice Benchmarking Tool helps evaluating and reflecting on proposals for urban planning and design.

The Justice Readiness Level is a monitor of Spatial Justice considerations in urban planning and desing.

The Spatial Justice Handbook is a guide to support the application of Spatial Justice in urban research and practice.

The Citizen Voice is a digital survey tool to collect spatial information from local stakeholders and citizens.

CHALLENGES & FUTURE DIRECTIONS

TOWARDS A JUST CITY: REFLECTIONS AND A MANIFESTO

REFLECTING ON THE NEW ROLE OF PLANNERS AND POLICYMAKERS

BUILDING COALITIONS FOR CHANGE

A MANIFESTO FOR THE JUST CITY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

In the quest for spatial justice, the convergence of new governance styles that foster hope as a political action and embrace insurgent forms of planning that challenge neo-liberal forms of governance heralds a transformative path towards creating just cities. This approach means a departure from conventional, technocratic, top-down urban planning paradigms, advocating instead for participatory, inclusive, and responsive governance that empowers communities and values grassroots initiatives.

Hope, as a dynamic and collective force, drives this shift, motivating citizens to envision and work towards equitable urban futures. It fuels the belief that, through collective action and innovative governance, it is possible to overcome spatial injustices that marginalise and disenfranchise citizens.

Insurgent planning, with its roots in the lived experiences and aspirations of local communities, offers practical and imaginative strategies to reclaim and reshape urban spaces. It challenges the status quo and provides a platform for voices historically silenced in urban development narratives.

As we reflect on the journey towards spatial justice, it is clear that the integration of hope and alternative forms of planning within new governance models is not merely desirable but essential. This approach redefines the relationship between urban spaces and their inhabitants, fostering environments where equity, sustainability, and community thrive within practices of care and restoration of the planet and our relationships with each other.

The call to action is clear: to build just cities, we must collectively commit to these principles, fostering an urban governance that is as adaptive, resilient, and diverse as the communities it serves. Through this commitment, the vision of just and inclusive cities becomes not just a hopeful aspiration but an achievable reality.

REFLECTING ON THE NEW ROLE OF PLANNERS AND POLICYMAKERS

Within the transformative framework aimed at fostering hope and embracing alternative planning practices towards spatial justice, the roles of planners and policymakers evolve significantly. This new paradigm necessitates a shift from traditional, technocratic, hierarchical approaches to more collaborative, flexible, and community-centred roles. Planners and designers become facilitators of change, connectors, and co-creators rather than sole authors of urban futures.

FACILITATORS OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Planners and policymakers must prioritise empowering communities to lead the charge in shaping their environments. This involves creating platforms for genuine participation and ensuring that all voices, especially those from marginalised groups, are heard and valued. It's about facilitating processes where community insights and aspirations directly influence planning decisions, thereby democratising urban development.

CONNECTORS BRIDGING DIVERSE STAKEHOLDERS

In their new role, planners and designers act as connectors, bridging gaps between various stakeholders, including government entities, private sectors, non-profits, and community groups. By fostering partnerships and facilitating dialogue, they can create synergies that leverage the strengths and resources of different sectors towards common goals of spatial justice and sustainable urban development.

CO-CREATORS IN URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Adopting a co-creative approach, planners and designers work alongside communities and other stakeholders in the design and implementation of urban projects. This collaborative process ensures that development initiatives are grounded in local contexts and needs, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes. Co-creation fosters a sense of ownership among all participants, enhancing the resilience and adaptability of urban spaces.

ADVOCATES FOR EQUITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Planners and designers must also advocate for equity, sustainability, and justice within urban governance frameworks. This involves challenging entrenched power dynamics and advocating for policies and practices that prioritise the well-being of both human and non-human inhabitants. It requires a commitment to questioning and reimagining existing systems to pave the way for more just and sustainable urban environments.

LIFELONG LEARNERS AND INNOVATORS

Finally, in this evolving landscape, planners and designers need to be lifelong learners, open to innovation and adaptation. The complexities of modern urban challenges necessitate a willingness to explore new ideas, learn from both successes and failures and continuously adapt strategies in response to changing conditions and insights. This learning mindset is crucial for navigating the uncertainties of the future and ensuring that urban development remains responsive to the needs of all inhabitants.

The shift towards hope and alternative planning practices in urban development calls for planners and designers to embrace these new roles, embodying flexibility, collaboration, and a deep commitment to

justice and sustainability. By doing so, they can contribute to creating urban environments that not only meet the needs of the present but are also resilient and equitable spaces for future generations.

BUILDING COALITIONS FOR CHANGE

Building coalitions for change within the framework of hope and alternative planning practices towards spatial justice requires strategic, inclusive, and empathetic approaches. These coalitions must bring together diverse stakeholders, including community groups, non-profits, academics, policymakers, and the private sector, united by the common goal of creating fair, sustainable, and just urban spaces. Key strategies to effectively build and sustain such coalitions include:

1. IDENTIFY COMMON GOALS

Start by identifying shared goals and visions among potential coalition members. Even groups with diverse interests can find common ground in broader objectives like sustainability, equity, or community empowerment. Clear, shared goals provide a foundation for collaboration and action.

2. FOSTER INCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT

Ensure the coalition-building process is inclusive, actively reaching out to and involving a wide range of stakeholders, especially those from marginalized or underrepresented communities. Use participatory methods to engage community members, ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping the coalition’s direction and priorities.

3. BUILD ON EXISTING NETWORKS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Leverage existing networks and relationships to foster trust and collaboration among potential coalition members. Building on the foundations of trust can accelerate the formation of effective coalitions and enhance their resilience.

4. EMPHASIZE INTERSECTORAL COLLABORATION

Encourage collaboration across sectors by highlighting the interdependent nature of urban challenges and the benefits of diverse perspectives and resources. Intersectoral collaboration can lead to innovative solutions that no single sector could achieve alone.

5. DEVELOP CLEAR COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

Establish clear and open channels of communication among coalition members to facilitate effective coordination, share information, and address conflicts constructively. Regular meetings, shared online platforms, and transparent decision-making processes can support this.

6. CREATE A FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION

Develop a clear framework for collective action that outlines roles, responsibilities, and strategies for achieving shared goals. This framework should be flexible enough to accommodate the dynamics of coalition work while providing enough structure to guide concerted efforts.

7. CAPITALIZE ON DIVERSE STRENGTHS

Recognise and capitalise on the diverse strengths, resources, and expertise that each member brings to the coalition. This might include community knowledge, academic research, policy influence, or financial resources, among others.

8. CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS AND LEARN FROM SETBACKS

• Regularly acknowledge and celebrate the coalition’s achievements to maintain motivation and momentum. Equally important is the willingness to learn from setbacks, using them as opportunities to adapt strategies and strengthen the coalition’s resilience.

9. SUSTAIN ENGAGEMENT THROUGH SHARED VALUES

• Keep the coalition engaged and motivated over time by emphasizing shared values and the ethical imperative of working towards spatial justice. Shared values can help sustain commitment even when faced with challenges or slow progress.

10. ADVOCATE FOR SYSTEMIC CHANGE

• Use the coalition’s collective voice to advocate for systemic changes in policies, practices, and societal norms that perpetuate spatial injustices. Effective advocacy can leverage the coalition’s diverse membership to speak powerfully on issues of common concern.

Building coalitions for change in the context of spatial justice requires a commitment to collaboration, diversity, and action. By uniting around shared goals and leveraging the strengths of a broad range of stakeholders, these coalitions can drive significant transformations in urban planning and governance, moving us closer to achieving fair, sustainable, and just cities.

HUGO LOPEZ

RESEARCHER UP2030 AT THE DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. H. LOPEZ@TUDELFT.NL

JULIANA GONÇALVES THE AUTHORS

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SPATIAL PLANNING & STRATEGY AT THE DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. J.E.GONCALVES@TUDELFT.NL

ROBERTO ROCCO

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF SPATIAL PLANNING & STRATEGY AT THE DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. R.C.ROCCO@TUDELFT.NL

MARCIN DABROWSKI

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SPATIAL PLANNING & STRATEGY AT THE DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. M.M.DABROWSKI@TUDELFT.NL

Centre for the Just City

Centre the City

THE CENTRE FOR THE JUST CITY

The Centre for the Just City was founded at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at the Delft University of Technology in response to the pressing challenges of rampant social inequalities affecting urban spaces’ cohesion and sustainability.

Recognising the vital need to address these issues, the Centre emerged as a platform for research, education, and outreach activities to create just cities.

Since its inception, the Centre has been at the forefront of bridging theory and practice, fostering collaborations, and influencing policies and actions that contribute to making cities equitable, sustainable, and inclusive.

Our values are Equity, Respect, Excellence and Diversity

We believe in fostering cities and communities where opportunities and resources are distributed fairly and every individual’s rights and dignity are upheld.

We are committed to cultivating a culture of mutual respect, recognising and valuing the diversity of perspectives, and encouraging dialogue and understanding.

Our commitment to excellence drives our research, education, and outreach efforts, ensuring rigour, innovation, and impact.

Embracing diversity in all its forms, we value the plurality of experiences, cultures, and ideas as essential components of creating inclusive and just urban environments.

SPATIAL JUSTICE EVALUATION

This report assesses how Spatial Justice is considered in the current urban sustainability transition plans of cities.

The transformation of society presupposes a collective ownership and management of space founded on the permanent participation of the “interested parties,” with their multiple, varied, and even contradictory interests. It thus also presupposes confrontation […].

Henri Lefebvre, THE PRODUCTION OF SPACE, OXFORD /CAMBRIDGE (MASSACHUSETTS),BLACKWELL, 1991.