Completed Activities
Governing densification – The impact of performance-based planning on qualitative urban densification (GoverDENSE)
Duration |
January 2020 - December 2024 |
Funding |
SNSF (Swiss National Science Foundation) |
Description |
The densification of the built environment – known in Switzerland as “inward settlement development” – is an important step towards more sustainable land uses. However, like all land use processes, densification produces winners but also losers. Within the context of already-existing settlements, the planning of densification takes place in a tight network of existing rights and duties, including property rights. The project analyses the complex institutional background against which densification is implemented, asking how the planning of densification can retain urban quality for all, including more vulnerable groups. The research is based on a comparative design between the functional region of Bern in Switzerland, and Utrecht in the Netherlands. It includes both qualitative research focusing on reconstructing eight 'stories of densification' and a quantitative part performing a GIS-based analysis of densification processes and patterns. |
Involved Persons |
Jean-David Gerber, Deniz Ay, Josje Bouwmeester, Vera Götze, Jessica Verheij |
Outputs |
project book, eight stories of densification, GIS analysis of densification patterns (work in progress) |
Websites |
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Public Value Capture of Increasing Property Values
Duration |
2018 - 2023 |
Funding |
European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST), supported by the EU Framework Programme Horizon 2020 |
Description |
The aim of this COST Action is the development of a common Europe-wide framework and the provision of innovative tools for value capturing, based on comparative analysis to optimize the allocation of development costs and benefits. While a considerable database exists, it nonetheless shows big data gaps and conflicting data. Given the complexity of value capture as planning instrument and different classifications among European countries, this study is based on a network of country representatives in order to find a common terminology and classification. The project will result in a Europe-wide network of experts for knowledge exchange and dissemination of public value capture as policy tool to policy-makers and the general public. |
Involved Persons |
Andreas Hengstermann |
Website |
https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA17125/
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Instruments of Land Policy - Dealing with Scarcity of Land (publication project). The role of land policy strategies in the implementation of spatial planning
Duration |
February 2016 to February 2018 |
Funding |
Financed by research unit |
Description |
Description: The edited book "Instruments of Land Policy - Dealing with Scarcity of Land" discusses different land policy instruments that are used in different countries. The main contribution of the book is that in each chapter an instrument is discussed and additionally commented on from the perspective of two other countries. This way, the book makes an effort to contribute to internationally comparative planning studies. |
Involved Persons |
Jean-David Gerber, University of Bern, Thomas Hartmann, University of Dortmund, Andreas Hengstermann, University of Bern |
Output |
Gerber, J.-D., Hengstermann, A., & Hartmann, T. (2018). Instruments of land policy. In Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315511658-3 |
The role of land policy strategies in the implementation of spatial planning
Duration |
December 2012 - April 2018 |
Description |
This research project addresses the influence of land policy strategies on the implementation practices of spatial planning. This is examined on the basis of planning law instruments (e.g. SNP, building obligation) which have a far-reaching influence on private property rights and are therefore of particular importance for land policy. In order to gain insights into the strategies of public actors in a variety of contexts and, if necessary, to draw up recommendations for action, the research project has been designed comparatively and examines standardised planning projects in various cantons and municipalities. |
Funding |
Financed by research unit |
Involved Persons |
Andreas Hengstermann (PhD Thesis) |
Output |
Hengstermann, Andreas. (2019). Von der passiven Bodennutzungsplanung zur aktiven Bodenpolitik - Die Wirksamkeit von bodenpolitischen Instrumenten anhand von Lebensmittel-Discountern. 10.1007/978-3-658-27614-0. |
The land use strategies of local authorities in the aftermath of new public management. Impacts on spatial development and sustainability
Duration |
2011 - 2013 |
Funding |
SNSF (Swiss National Science Foundation) |
Description |
This project focused on strategies followed by local authorities to shape their spatial development in a context where the public sector is under pressure to increase its cost-efficiency. It addressed a research gap in the study of spatial development in Switzerland by analyzing how local authorities use different instruments stemming from both private and public law to complement planning instruments (binding general plans, non-binding master plans, zoning, private plans). The research positioned itself within critical literature on New Public Management and drew upon emerging trends in political ecology to revive debates on the importance of property rights. |
Involved Persons |
Jean-David Gerber, University of Bern, Hanna Jäggi, University of Bern |