Resilience in Territorial Planning and Architecture: Exploring Themes, Objectives, and Approaches to Go beyond Adaptability

Dear Colleagues,

Thus far, there has been limited discussion in the literature on the subject of territorial planning for resilience, particularly in light of the short timeframe remaining until the 2030 United Nations agenda deadline. Most scholarly discussions revolve around descriptions of the significance, originality, and methodological innovation of the given research, focusing on best practices, possible strategies, and impacts, but without adequate consideration of the urgency of the situation. Despite the confirmed increase of 1.5 °C in global temperature that will occur within the next seven years, there is still a lack of urgency to address this issue. Moreover, there are few articulated approaches for achieving resilience at various levels, particularly in the context of political decision making and related practices.

Objectives: The primary objective of this Special Issue is to explore resilience and sustainability in design by showcasing practical methodologies and case studies that consider the pressing time constraints. While resilience and sustainability have become common elements in the world of design, it is crucial to promote their effective and conscious implementation given the short timeframe until the 2030 deadline. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide researchers, designers, practitioners, and students with information on time-sensitive practices and techniques that will enable them to embrace resilient approaches at various scales while addressing the urgency of climate challenges.

Themes and Scope: This Special Issue focuses on the concept of "Design Resilience", aiming to go beyond mere adaptability and instead develop innovative practices that are deeply rooted in the socio-ecological and economic dimensions of territories, landscapes, and objects that impact communities. In light of the limited time frame, a particular focus will be given to a comparison of models and approaches in diverse geographical contexts, considering their relevance and applicability in the context of timely resilience-oriented actions.

Potential topics include

1. Mitigation of risks and adaptation strategies in the face of climate change, particularly considering the urgency of achieving climate targets within a limited time frame.
2. Nature-based recovery and solutions, taking into account ecological values, biodiversity, and community health and well-being, while addressing the immediate challenges posed by climate change.
3. Strategies for preserving cultural heritage and supporting communities amidst rapidly changing environments, considering the need for urgent action and resilience-oriented measures.
4. Landscape resilience as a frontier for design, linking theoretical concepts with practical applications, while acknowledging the importance of efficient and effective solutions in the face of the climate crisis.

Prof. Dr. Angioletta Voghera
Prof. Dr. Alessandro Melis
Dr. Fabrizio Aimar
Prof. Dr. Daniela Perrotti
Guest Editors

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• design approaches
• climate adaptation
• nature-based solutions
• landscape resilience
• co-evolutive resilience, adaptation, and transformation
• integrated planning policies and plans
• the city and its modifications: climate-sensitive design
• methodological and intertwined challenges
• regional development policies and programs
• strategies and actions to future-proof cities
• territorial development
• social, environmental, and economic sustainability