Urban Areas in Transition: Identifying fundamental features of urban integration through an analysis of sustainable soil management in the European Union

Abstract

This research will take a close look at the governance system required for soil policy integration in urban redevelopment. In doing so it will investigate the process and output factors that contribute to sustainable soil management. This research will provide descriptive information on what is meant by an integrated approach, and in which way urban developments can include and improve soil management in such an approach. From the literature, a profile is sketched of an ideal governance arrangement that contributes to an integrated urban development approach which also contributes to sustainable soil management.

Using the ideal profile sketch this research provides evaluative knowledge of real-world urban redevelopment project cases which examines the level of integration and measures applied for sustainable soil management in order to identify crucial areas of success. A case study approach is used where various actors (contractors, local governments, private parties and members of the public) are interviewed. The aim is to identify and explain successful integrated urban development strategies at the city level in European areas to improve the future design of sustainable integrated urban development policies that will take on board proper soil management.

The research will be helpful because it can provide various stakeholders worldwide with a relatively good overview of current practices regarding an integrated approach in urban development and provide suggestions on ensuring that sustainable soil management forms part of an integrated approach in urban (re)development.