Norm critical perspectives: applications in Swedish spatial planning

Important results from the project

The project´s objective was to compile and disseminate knowledge and experiences of applying norm-critical perspectives in Swedish spatial planning with a focus on urban planning. The goal was achieved by summarizing this in a knowledge overview where several key themes were identified: design of public space, knowledge enhancement, development / further development of work process / method, new routine / service within existing activities, mapping of activities, attitude influence of public, improved collaboration between actors and dissemination of project information.

Expected long term effects

The knowledge overview is based on extensive searches where a selection of relevant examples (both ongoing and completed) have been identified, conducted by a variety of public as well as private actors. The examples express, as far as possible, a norm-critical perspective, are varied in terms of both content and current grounds for discrimination, and are documented. The results are presented in a report and disseminated via communication activities and are expected to be used in university teaching that enables dissemination within relevant target groups.

Approach and implementation

The analysis has focused on the type of measures / initiatives, theoretical / conceptual framing, approaches / methods, problem formulations, target groups, geographical context and results of the applied initiatives. Explicit norm-critical theoretical connection has not been a selection requirement, but on the other hand that such perspectives can be read from the content; the connection to planning can therefore be both direct and indirect. The analysis has been carried out using a matrix of key issues, and thereby patterns and themes in the material have been identified.