Spatial Planning Systems in Historical Capital Cities in Europe

Contemporary spatial planning systems in historic European capital cities, including Prague, Edinburgh, and Vienna—all UNESCO World Heritage Sites—serve as models for sustainable urban development. This study highlights how these cities leverage heritage status, urban typology, and citizen participation to create holistic, future-oriented planning frameworks. By employing the 'arena' metaphor, it argues that their approaches can guide other cities in balancing preservation with progress. The research compares spatial planning instruments across the three capitals, offering insights into effective governance for historic urban centers.

Bianco, L. (2026). Spatial Planning Systems in Historical Capital Cities in Europe. Historia Urbana, 33, 43–75. https://doi.org/10.59277/hu.33.03