The Role of Transparency in Urban Planning Processes

Abstract

Starting with the observation that the significance of transparency for urban and regional development has been increasing steadily over the past years, the chapter focuses on several crucial aspects dealing with the role of transparency within the context of the interplay of formal and informal planning processes. The authors explore the meaning of transparency as a reaction to conflicts over urban planning, the role of participation and protest as enforcers of transparency as well as the influence of digitalization on transparency. They argue that enhancing transparency is an important factor for strengthening the acceptance of development and planning projects and a necessary precondition for far-reaching and effective participation. Translation from the German (including all direct quotes) by Vivian Strotmann, Institute for Social Movements and University Library, Ruhr University Bochum.