ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the way concepts of place and space are being used in the new wave of strategic spatial plans in Europe, in relation to the intellectual debates in the social sciences and humanities on these concepts. In the geography and planning literature, there has been a longstanding critique of mid-twentieth century planning concepts of spatial organisation. Strategic spatial planning may also have a political role in strengthening the voice of municipal government or regional bodies within the 'multi-level' governance landscape widely recognised within Europe by the end of the twentieth century. The chapter examines the frames of reference, organising concepts and metaphors used in several recent episodes of strategic spatial planning, all of which are regarded as explicitly mobilising spatial concepts and all of which are to some degree contested. It uses the tools of interpretive policy analysis to analyse the discourses and practices of episodes of strategic spatial planning.
