The Synergy of Collaboration: Planning multifunctional urban greenspaces in Rotterdam: Multi-stakeholder involvement and collaboration

Abstract

Nature can perform many functions in an urban environment, such as contributing to biodiversity, climate adaptation and a pleasant living environment for residents. Multifunctional urban greenspaces are valuable to city life, for multiple functions can be achieved collectively. This multifunctionality is especially helpful in times of increasing citizens numbers and urban densification when available space in our cities is scarce. Because of this diversity of functions, urban greenspaces touch many aspects of a municipal organisation, like the spatial planning, health and sustainability division. A good collaboration between these divisions can help to achieve multifunctional urban greenspaces. This master's thesis focusses on integrated collaboration processes between different divisions within the municipality of Rotterdam in the neighbourhood of Reyeroord. It applies the approach of collaborative planning by integrating the frameworks of Habermas, Giddens and Foucault to the field of urban greenspace planning. Four analytical dimensions are established based on these frameworks, namely inclusion, understanding among stakeholders, recognition of power, and comprehension of discourses and perceptions. The dimensions are used to empirically assesses the collaborative nature of the planning process. The results of this thesis indicate that the institutional structures of the municipality shape the positions of participants, due to the division they are affiliated to. As these divisions are not identical, a privileged position is created for some while creating obstacles for others. This influences participants’ ability to participate and contribute to the decision-making in integrated collaboration processes. Recognition of positions and how this influences the planning process is essential in making collaborative planning processes more inclusive. This insight can contribute to better incorporation of all function of urban greenspace and thus improving urban life.