First Comprehensive History of Regional Planning Published

The book's authors, Mark Tewdwr-Jones, John Harrison, and Daniel Galland, are active participants in the Regional Studies Association, and their work charts the evolution of regional planning from early 20th-century American examples to modern-day megaprojects in China. This historical lens offers context to the contemporary challenge where planning is no longer the exclusive domain of professionals but involves a diverse and often conflicting group of actors. In the Netherlands, this fragmented landscape is evident in the national government's ambition to build 100,000 new homes annually, with two-thirds designated as affordable. The incoming "Strengthening Control on Housing Act" (Wet versterking regie volkshuisvesting), expected in 2026, aims to reassert national control to meet these targets, directly impacting municipal and provincial planning autonomy. This follows debates around the most effective strategies, with the government's chief architect, Francesco Veenstra, recently advocating for converting existing buildings over constructing entirely new cities to address short-term needs. The Dutch national strategy for a fully circular economy by 2050 places the construction sector at its core. This initiative is driving innovations such as material passports, with platforms like Madaster creating a registry for building components to facilitate high-value reuse, a concept gaining traction with tax incentives for developers. The goal is to shift from downcycling materials into low-grade rubble to designing for disassembly from the project's inception. Simultaneously, Dutch municipalities are becoming testbeds for digital planning tools. The city of Utrecht's digital twin, for example, is an interactive 3D model used to simulate climate adaptation scenarios and accelerate infrastructure project decisions by 30%. In Amsterdam, the AMS Institute is actively researching the application of generative AI to enhance participatory planning processes, exploring how it can translate citizen needs into design solutions. These national initiatives are set against the backdrop of the European Green Deal, which is influencing spatial planning through directives like the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The EPBD's revision pushes for Zero Emission Buildings by 2030 for new constructions, compelling planners to integrate "whole life carbon" assessments. This aligns with the broader EU goal of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, a target enshrined in the European Climate Law. The Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) acts as a crucial knowledge platform and advocate for local governments navigating these complex national and EU-level mandates. It facilitates discussions on local implementation of broad societal challenges, from housing shortages to the energy transition, reflecting the evolving, multi-actor nature of regional planning highlighted in 'Regions in Evolution'.