Modern planning is deeply rooted in pro-growth development model. Spatial planning is addressed to city growth, whatever definition of growth might be implied (i.e., expansion, densification, valorisation, both in physical and economic terms). There is a centuries-old history of urban planning irrefutably demonstrating that. Nonetheless, postgrowth and degrowth as key concept and as perspectives to look at the future of cities and regions is evidently spreading. In recent years, research groups and networks, conferences and seminars, books and journal publications have multiplied. Although postgrowth and degrowth scholars have succeeded in bringing the dominant growth model into question and seriously discussing alternatives, they have started worrying about that what should be a crucial and compelling paradigmatic turn in planning approaches may instead become just another (ab)used buzzword.

The aim of this call is to identify, clarify, and discuss if, how and by whom postgrowth and degrowth thinking is being translated into actual urban and regional practices, with particular attention to the fundamental objects and fields of action within urban and regional planning. This inquiry will also challenge and critically examine some of the claimed more ‘advanced’ ideas in planning for long-term sustainability such as no net land take, circular economy and sharing, the green shift, digitalization, and related initiatives.

More specifically, we invite contributions addressing the following topics: Land and soil, Water, Energy, Nature and Biodiversity, Mobility, Housing, Production and Labour. 

We welcome contributions that:

• place one or more of these issues at the core of their inquiry while considering the interconnections with the others,
• draw on real cases and examples from urban and regional development and planning,
• reflect on and propose actionable suggestions for planning practices that can inform and inspire degrowth and postgrowth-oriented approaches.

Download the CALL FOR PAPERS  (ITA | ENG)