A1 - cities and planning

Question 1

What was the urban population in 2022?

Answer 1

4.5 billion (57%) live in cities.

Question 2

What is the projected urban population for 2050?

Answer 2

6.4 billion (66%) projected.

Question 3

What percentage of Sweden’s population lived in urban areas in 2020?

Answer 3

88% live in urban areas (minimum 200 people, no more than 200 m between houses).

Question 4

What was the urban population growth in Sweden from 2015 to 2020?

Answer 4

+500,000 urban population.

Question 5

What historical factors contributed to urban living?

Answer 5

From farming → settlements → trade, surplus.

Question 6

What are modern reasons for living in cities?

Answer 6

Job & trade opportunities, shared services, infrastructure, proximity saves time & resources.

Question 7

What challenges do cities face?

Answer 7

Congestion, pollution, high living costs.

Question 8

What percentage of global GDP is generated in cities?

Answer 8

80% of global GDP generated in cities.

Question 9

What are cities seen as in terms of the economy?

Answer 9

Drivers of economic growth & emissions.

Question 10

What are the benefits of densification?

Answer 10

Reduces transport needs, supports shared services, better land use

Question 11

What is planning?

Answer 11

Strategic process to achieve goals, increases efficiency, reduces risk.

Question 12

What does urban planning include?

Answer 12

Goal setting, strategy development, implementation.

Question 13

What are the goals of urban planning?

Answer 13

Welfare & equality, control land use, design infrastructure, protect natural environment.

Question 14

What are ordinances in urban planning?

Answer 14

Förordning: Adopted by the government, clarification of the law - specification of the law.

Question 15

The History of urban planning Sweden

Answer 15

• 1874: Building decree – basic urban plans
• 1909: Town planning act – state involvement
• 1947: Municipal right to plan development
• 1987: Planning & Building Act (PBL) – current basis

Question 16

What is the purpose of the Planning & Building Act (PBL)?

Answer 16

Governs land, water use, construction

Promote equal living conditions & sustainability for today’s and future generations.

Question 17

What must planning ensure according to the PBL?

Answer 17

1. Aesthetic & functional urban form
2. social accessibility,
3. efficient use of resources
4. economic growth
5. housing development

Question 18

What levels are involved in planning structure in Sweden?

Answer 18

Municipal level, regional level, national level, EU level.

Question 19

What types of plans exist in urban planning?

Answer 19

Regional Plan, Comprehensive Plan, Area Regulations, Detailed Development Plan.

Question 20

What is the municipal role in urban planning?

Answer 20

1. Planning monopoly: only municipalities can adopt plans.
2. Key departments
3. Income via taxes

Question 21

What challenges do municipalities face in planning?

Answer 21

Political decisions can cause delays or conflicts, silo effect between departments, short political cycles

Question 22

What is participatory planning?

Answer 22

Emphasizes community involvement in planning.

Question 23

What are the benefits of public participation for municipalities?

Answer 23

Better understanding of local needs, fewer appeals and better outcomes.

Question 24

What are the benefits of public participation for citizens?

Answer 24

Influence on local development, access to urban planning info, improved living conditions.

Question 25

What methods are used for public participation?

Answer 25

Surveys, interviews, workshops, focus groups, competitions, school visits, city walks, online tools.

Question 26

What are the legal obligations for municipalities in Sweden regarding public participation?

Answer 26

Must consult citizens during comprehensive plan and detailed development plan.

Question 27

What are the phases of public participation?

Answer 27

Consultation → Exhibition → Review → Appeal.