This publication has been prepared in connection with the 48th IFHP World Congress in Oslo 2004. Its purpose is to provide a general impression of the planning and building situation in Norway, and describe some of the important challenges facing us in the first years of the 21st century. In it, we present descriptions and analysis of issues confronting local and central authorities, property developers and the building industry, as well as the planning community and the public in general.
The Effects of Portland’s Urban Growth Boundary on Urban Development Patterns and Commuting
This research investigates the effects of Portland’s urban growth boundary (UGB) on urban development patterns and mobility. Three different methods are adopted for evaluating Portland’s UGB: intermetropolitan comparisons; comparisons inside and outside the UGB; and, statistical analyses utilising regression models. Intermetropolitan comparisons do not support the conclusion that Portland’s UGB has been effective in slowing down suburbanisation, enhancing infill development and reducing auto use. A significant level of spillover from the counties in Oregon to Clark County of Washington took place during the 1990s, indicating that the UGB diverted population growth into Clark County. Results from the statistical analyses also support the above findings. The UGB dummy variable was not significant during the 1980s and 1990s, indicating that the UGB had little impact on the location of new housing construction during the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike the UGB, the Clark County dummy variable is significant for both models, supporting the spillover effects of the UGB.
Spacial Planning in Denmark
Spatial planning aims to create and maintain the qualities of urban areas and the countryside. The challenges of spatial planning change as society develops.
From the early 1950s to the mid-1970s, Denmark’s population grew, the standard of living increased and the population migrated from rural to urban areas. Large new suburban estates were created outside the historical town centres. The industrialization of construction and increasing affluence enabled unprecedented growth in the size of dwellings and in business construction. These new suburbs, which were planned to have spatially differentiated residential estates, business districts, urban centres and service functions, now encompass more than half the developed urban land in Denmark.
Denmark – A Green Room in the European House
This chapter discusses Danish planning up to the change of government, 20th November 2001. The new government changed in many ways the political attitude. This is also true for the field of spatial planning as illustrated in a newspaper article by Michael Rothenborg (2002), titled “Murder in the Ministry”. In this article he suspects the new government to abolish the achievements in the fields of environmental protection and planning which the former Minister of the Environment had fought for. So, the near future will tell to what degree Danish planning and planning policy will change.
Vancouver/Williams Corridor Infill Strategy
The Vancouver / Williams Corridor in inner North / Northeast Portland is one of Portland’s oldest commercial districts – serving first as the downtown for the City of Albina, and later becoming the Main Street for Portland’s African-American community.
The Corridor is strategically located just north of Portland’s Central City, with proximity and ready access to key regional transportation routes, employment centers, meeting and entertainment venues, and shopping. As a result, the Vancouver / Williams area is now
A community planning effort led by the Vancouver / Williams Task Force has been underway for several years to capitalize on this new environment of opportunity for the Corridor. The goal has been to restore and enhance the historic vitality of the Corridor and nearby neighborhoods. Through the Task Force’s efforts, a shared community vision has emerged for the Corridor – one that is supported by area residents and businesses alike. At the heart of this vision is a strongly held communitywide belief – a desire that existing residents and businesses should benefit from new development as it occurs along the Vancouver / Williams Corridor.