Abstract
In Denmark, efforts to enhance nature and biodiversity have led municipalities to develop strategies and plans, signalling a paradigm shift in urban planning. Emerging understandings of nature and other species’ agency introduce new values and priorities that challenge, inform, and impose new demands on urban governance. This shift is echoed in the field of more-than-human theory, which critiques human exceptionalism in urban planning discourses and theory. However, how planning practices can adapt and incorporate these perspectives remains largely unexplored, particularly empirically. This study investigates how more-than-human perspectives can be included in municipal planning practices through a qualitative longitudinal case study of the planning practice in Aalborg Municipality and their work with nature and biodiversity. Data collection involves interviews and document analysis of plans, strategies, and material from urban space projects. Findings suggest that while planning frameworks and goals are important, successful integration of more-than-human perspective also depends on organisational, political, cultural, and discursive factors. These factors help planning practices remain resilient amid shifting political priorities, global and national pressures and agendas, while also laying the groundwork for long-term governance efforts. The study emphasises the importance of a continuous institutional commitment for fostering more-than-human coexistence in urban environments. By identifying key governance and planning challenges, this research contributes to the expanding field of multispecies urbanism that must be addressed if all species, not just humans, are to thrive in urban environments.
Presenters
Nikoline Leth JepsenStudent, Industrial PhD, The Royal Danish Academy - Architecture: Institute for Architecture, Urbanism and Landscape // Danish Architecture Center, København, Denmark
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
MORE-THAN-HUMAN URBANISM, MUNICIPAL PLANNING, URBAN BIODIVERSITY, URBAN NATURE, MULTISPECIES GOVERNANCE
