ABSTRACT
Planning of cities and regions needs communication based on a multi-stakeholder approach. Communicative planning in turn needs an appropriate model of communication. The author presents a non-hierarchical, systemic model of communication that meets these needs and which is useful for designing communicative planning processes that contribute to good solutions and broad public support of projects and planning documents. In this context, city and region are both the place and reason for communication. Communicative planning processes provide the framework. Using specific examples from planning practice, the author discusses the use of the systemic model in mobilizing resources and support for urban development, shedding light on conflicts, preparing solutions, joining professional and local expertise, and finding a common language. As a practitioner, the author advocates the idea that this kind of concept-based communicative planning contributes to creating spatial identity and to supporting place-related cooperative action. The systemic model of communication in spatial planning helps to create living, meaningful, and productive planning processes.
