Editorial

Abstract

Currently the world is facing major challenges related to ongoing urbanization. More than half of the global population already lives in cities, and rapid urban growth – whether planned or spontaneous – seems set to continue. The associated large-scale transformation of urban and rural landscapes is turning the spotlight on environmental issues and questions of sustainability. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda/Habitat III provide a framework for a fast urban development by encouraging the integration of social and ecological aspects into urbanism. One important task for urbanism is to “make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. But what does this mean for research, education and practice in spatial design and planning? Which emerging research topics can be identified? Do we need alternative formats for teaching and for knowledge transfer? This book focuses on inclusive urbanism as one factor of sustainable urban development.