In August 2024, the annual PlanNord conference brought together 80 prominent planning researchers from across the Nordic region to exchange ideas and findings.
The conference, held in Reykjavik, Iceland, was an opportunity for scholars to present their latest research and engage in discussions on contemporary planning issues affecting the Nordic countries. Among the participants were three researchers from Nordregio, contributing valuable insights into current urban development and land policy challenges.
Highlights from Nordregio Researchers
Anna Granath Hansson from Nordregio and Andreas Hengsterman from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) introduced their forthcoming book, Land Policy in Europe, which is set to be published by Springer Verlag in early 2025. This comprehensive volume features twelve chapters that explore land and planning conflicts across various European countries, including Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The book is aimed at both practitioners and students, encouraging a deeper understanding of land policy as a crucial element of urban development.
Additionally, Anna Granath Hansson presented her research on strategic planning for affordable housing in the Nordic countries and Germany. This work, a collaborative effort with Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), delves into strategies to address the pressing need for affordable housing in these regions.
Luciane Aguiar Borges shared preliminary findings from the ongoing Nordic Climate Neutral Cities project in her paper titled “Exploring Densification in Nordic Cities: An Institutional Perspective on Climate Neutrality.” Co-authored with Rebecca Cavicchia and Jonas Tybjerg, this study examines the institutional challenges and opportunities that municipalities in Aarhus, Trondheim, and Lund face in their pursuit of climate neutrality.
Águst Bogason presented research on two key projects: Planning for Socially Mixed and Inclusive Neighborhoods and a Comparative Review of National Support Initiatives for Local Urban Project Development. These projects shed light on the strategies being employed to create more inclusive urban spaces and the role of national support in facilitating local urban development initiatives.
A Launchpad for Future Research
The conference fostered good discussions and valuable feedback that will help shape the future direction of these research projects. PlanNord, a key event within the Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) network, continues to be an important forum for advancing planning research in the Nordic region. The next PlanNord conference is scheduled for 2026, with additional events planned in the interim.
Adding a unique twist to the conference, attendees were treated to a natural spectacle when the Grindavik volcano erupted on Thursday evening. The eruption was visible from Reykjavik and even from the air for those departing from Keflavik Airport. Fortunately, the volcano has since stabilised, posing no threat to nearby towns or critical infrastructure, but it was a reminder of the unique planning challenges the host nation faces.
