Spatial Planning and City Environments (SPACE)
Spatial Planning and City Environments (SPACE) is a research group with interests and expertise covering theoretical, conceptual and practical aspects of spatial planning, design and the built environment.
It undertakes research for a range of academic and professional organisations and disseminates its work in both academic and professional spheres. The geographic scope of its work includes planning and design in Europe, North America, China, Australia and India.
SPACE has strong links with organisations and interests in various professional disciplines, including planning, design, transport and community development.
- Research themes and outputs
- Research-led teaching
- PhD research
- Innovation and engagement
- Membership and contacts
Research Themes and Outputs
SPACE research is organised in the following themes:
- Improving design quality in the built environment
- The application of planning theories and concepts
- The implementation and effectiveness of planning policies
- Planning and built environment education
Please click on each of the themes for a list of selected publications, research projects and other outputs.
SPACE is focusing its future research activities around the following research themes established by the School:
- Poverty, social inclusion and entitlement – including continuing work on racial diversity and disability, as well as planning in developing countries;
- Regional, city-region and neighbourhood governance – from regional spatial planning initiatives to research on street design and usage;
- Innovation and regeneration -
- Methods and data for socio-spatial research – focusing on the use of qualitative methods in exploring place qualities and conducting locality-based research.
The group invites discussions with potential partners on collaborative research projects in its areas of interest and focused on the above themes.
Research-led Teaching
Members of the SPACE research group teach on a range of courses across the School, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Research projects and staff expertise feed directly into the following masters courses:
- Masters in Urban Design
- Masters in Planning Practice and Research
- Masters in International Planning and Development.
- Masters in Transport Planning
PhD Research Applications
The research group comprises both staff and research students and welcomes applications for PhD research on a wide range of subjects related to the interests of its members.
Doctoral research recently completed or ongoing in SPACE includes:
- Evaluation of urban regeneration initiatives
- Involving young people in urban regeneration
- Evaluating local authority design practices
- Improving design quality in areas of high-development pressure
- Urban green space networks
- Spatial planning and language planning
- Exploring the production of national identity through the built environment
The group particularly welcomes applications for doctoral research under its four themes.
Please see the School’s pages on PhD Research Opportunities for further information and guidance on applying to undertake doctoral research.
Innovation and Engagement Activity
Members of the SPACE research group provide advice, expertise and support to a range of public, private and voluntary organisations, including active work for the following:
- National Retail Planning Forum
- Royal Town Planning Institute
- Royal Institution of British Architects
- Institute of Logistics and Transport
- Urban Design Group
- Department for International Development
- Higher Education Academy
- Welsh Assembly Government
- Design Commission for Wales
- Planning Aid Wales
- Welsh Local Government Association