Abstract: Germany is particularly affected by demographic change. Therefore, increasing labour market participation is considered an important labour market policy objective because it can counteract shortages of labour supply due to the aging population. The scope for increasing labour force participation is not limited to certain groups of people. It also has a spatial dimension. This paper therefore analyses the regional differences in the labour market participation of men and women of different age groups at the level of German district regions. In particular, we examine regional imbalances in the regional variation of labour force participation. Further relations to regional variables are examined using multiple regressions. The results of the analysis could be interpreted according to the so-called discouragement hypothesis which suggests that unfavourable regional labour market conditions have a negative impact on regional labour force participation. For the regional wage level, only a minimal, mostly positive correlation with the labour force participation can be established, which can be interpreted by the mutually compensating effects of wages. The regional qualification level shows a positive correlation with the participation of middle-aged and older people in the labour market. Finally, further evidence highlights the importance of full-time childcare facilities for the labour force participation of women and, increasingly, men. PubDate: Tue, 22 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Spatial planning is called on to contribute to managing risks associated with outages of infrastructure services deemed particularly important in the context of critical infrastructure protection. This paper explores indications of overlaps between critical infrastructure sectors and the fields of Daseinsvorsorge (services of general interests) which have not yet received much attention in expert discussions. It provides a comparison of critical infrastructure sectors and variants of lists of the fields of Daseinsvorsorge. Although the extent of the overlaps cannot be determined exactly, it can be assumed that most of the infrastructures considered tobe critical are involved in the provision of services associated with the concept of Daseinsvorsorge. Hence the infrastructures and services in question are subject to different policy areas and interventions carried out in accordance with them. This inference calls for consideration of the implications of the spatial organization of the provision of Daseinsvorsorge services for critical infrastructure protection. A change of perspective, i.e. looking at the aims and means of Daseinsvorsorge planning from the point of view of critical infrastructure protection, enhances the visibility of their potential ‘side effects’. As the concept of critical infrastructure incorporates both worthiness of protection and a certain hazard potential, a change of perspective leads to unfamiliar perceptions of the spatial planning of Daseinsvorsorge and raises academic and practical questions. PubDate: Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The development of small towns in Germany in terms of their economic, demographic and social endowment is a subject area that has been rather neglected so far. What is more, research often focuses exclusively on small towns in rural and peripheral regions, because this is the only place where they are assigned a certain role. Small towns in central areas, on the other hand, are subsumed under suburbia in research and are thus rarely considered in terms of their specific functions. In this paper, all small towns in Germany are classified with regard to important functions. The typification is done by means of a cluster analysis based on central factors, which in turn are tied to a broad set of indicators. Reference points are the classical method of principal component analysis and, as an alternative method, to geographically weighted principal component analysis. The methodological comparison shows that the alternative method – also due to the high computational effort – is not yet a suitable method for describing spatial relationships between the variables and for small towns with regard to existing functions in their surrounding areas. On the other hand, the approach of the principal component analysis, cluster analysis and discriminant analysis, which is found in the literature, produces well defined and explainable solutions for the formation of different types of small towns in Germany. PubDate: Fri, 06 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Building orders and planning-law expropriations are viewed as particularly interventionist instruments of the Federal Building Code. The two instruments share another characteristic in addition to this high degree of interventionism, namely that they are rarely used in practice. This is due to the theory of responsive land policy, which suggests that less interventionist instruments should be applied first. However, these latter instruments are effective because all those involved, and particularly the affected parties, are aware of the existence of the more intensive options. Municipal decision-making instances thus profit from the provision of building orders and, in particular, expropriation as the ‘ultima ratio’ of planning law. The responsive approach is nonetheless only possible when those affected are aware of, or are made aware of, the existence of the more interventionist instruments. This article presents the results of a discourse analysis of 300 newspapers from the past 25 years. The analysis investigates the hypothesis that the decision-making instances mention building orders and expropriation in these media so as to exercise indirect influence in advance, and thus attempt to persuade those involved to cooperate. The analysis shows that the municipalities also use the local media to consider the use of building orders and expropriation. Often the actual application of the instruments is relativised in the same article by other decisions (for instance by the opposition), independent experts or editorial comments. PubDate: Fri, 06 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The term “temporary local economies” can be used to summarise all of the economic activities related to the development of a location and a region in a temporary arrangement. This characterises the exciting combination of economic activity and everyday life in an urban and regional context. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of temporary local economies in their academic perspectives and to give insights into urban regional development lines using an exemplary brief case study (Bikini Berlin). PubDate: Tue, 03 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The use of electric vehicles in the commercial sector is ecologically and economically promising. To promote the use, however, good knowledge of the (potential) user groups and their needs is required. This paper bases on a survey in Aachen among decision-makers of care services and taxi companies, that are considering the integration of electric vehicles. The requirements for electric vehicles and the construction of charging infrastructure as well as perceived risks and potentials were analysed. The results are transferred to stakeholder profiles. In addition, information and participation requirements were surveyed. The study shows strong sectoral differences. Both groups need sector-specific information offers. The willingness to change is higher in care services. Their vehicles should be charged on the premises after shifts (usually overnight). Fast charging is not necessary. Practice reports and an overview of subsidy opportunities are required. The taxi operators see more risks than potentials. They need fast-charging vehicles (in a two-shift system). The provision of fast-charging infrastructure at taxi stands is relevant for decision-making. Consultation is needed to avoid conflicts concerning the positioning at taxi stands, the times of use and the procurement of charging electric vehicles. PubDate: Tue, 03 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Following the inauguration of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by the star architect Frank Gehry, numerous cities have developed star architecture projects that try to emulate the ‘Bilbao Effect’ in the hope of triggering positive impacts for tourism and socio-economic development. However, as many projects do not achieve the set goals, their role as catalysts for urban development is debatable. We argue that the temporal and spatial economic dimension of the effects of star architecture projects – which are hardly discussed in existing literature – is crucial to assess the contribution of such projects for urban regeneration. The Kunsthaus Graz in Austria serves as a case study where we apply and modify the approach of the ‘spatial incidence analysis’ to assess the socioeconomic and intertemporal effects of a publicly funded, star architecture project. The spatial incidence analysis is closely related to the cost-benefit analysis, but takes into consideration wider aspects of the spatial distribution and intertemporal development of three dimensions of effects: payment flows, goods and services, and utility. We identify the following key findings by applying a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods: the operation of the Kunsthaus Graz provides an inflow of purchasing power for the municipality of Graz; the Kunsthaus Graz has positive, long-term effects in the fields of tourism marketing, civic pride and identification, creative industries and urban regeneration; the effects of the Kunsthaus Graz are spatially concentrated in the municipality of Graz. PubDate: Tue, 03 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This paper examines the governance options for reurbanisation in medium-sized cities by using the example of Bamberg. The key questions are: Which planning approaches are developed in the areas of action housing and urban development to shape reurbanisation' How do local actor constellations and relationships shape the governance options' The contribution follows on debates about local reurbanisation drivers and an understanding of planning in terms of governance. The results show that Bamberg aimed to develop a conversion area and has thus implemented planning instruments and political-administrative structures. However, the use of the conversion areas by non-municipal actors in addition with municipal actors that are strongly guided by monetary considerations prevents the conversion in the further course and severely limits the governance options. As a result, a departure from the goal of a planned reurbanisation can be seen. The paper concludes by discussing the context under which growth policies for reurbanisation are developed and implemented. PubDate: Sun, 27 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Using the example of the political-planning discourse on former plans to develop a large-scale shopping centre in the inner city of Mainz, the potential benefits of a discourse and governmentality approach to spatial research subjects is discussed. In particular, the discursive discursive mechanisms of inscribing an entrepreneurial and depoliticized conception of urban space into apparently neutral and objective techniques of spatial analysis are worked out. At the same time, this idea of urban space as a competitive entity determined by spatio-economic principles is challenged by competing conceptions of urban development focused on the conservation of place-specific structures of the built environment. Thus, the case study illustrates how discourse analysis can excavate the spatial knowledge structures guiding the management of contemporary urban development projects. PubDate: Sun, 13 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyse the accessibility of outpatient care services in Lower Franconia, Germany, taking into account the spatially differentiated population structure for the year 2017 as well as the expected demographic development until 2025. The accessibility was modelled both raster-based and vector-based in a GIS software. Moreover, demographic developments in the age group “80 years and older” are also incorporated. The results of the raster-based travel time modelling show relatively good accessibility in the study area except from a few peripheral areas. Catchment areas for outpatient care services were calculated using vector-based travel time modelling, drawing on travel flat rates according to SGB V and SGB XI as well as staff costs as calculation bases for threshold values. In parts of Lower Franconia there is no sufficient cost coverage. With regard to the population development outlined above and insufficient coverage of travel costs by flat-rate travel allowances in low mountain ranges and away from urban agglomerations, a transition to a flexible travel compensation for nursing services and an increase in nursing staff is recommended. PubDate: Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Building on current debates on digitalisation and spatial development processes, this paper aims to explore to what extent digitally enhanced production technologies, such as Industry 4.0, enable the emergence of new forms of urban production. Based on theoretical and conceptual considerations, empirical insights are derived from 41 interviews conducted with experts in eight industrial cities in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The results indicate that the commercial application of new digital production technologies instigates novel forms of hybrid digital urban manufacturing which change patterns of previous value creation. The paper develops a more precise understanding of these value creation processes and the locational embeddedness of hybrid digital urban manufacturing. PubDate: Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: New sanitary systems are an intelligent way to approach wastewater management in the face of demographic and climatic changes. It is also compatible with the emerging paradigm of a resource-oriented management of wastewater. While the general technical applicability of resource-oriented systems has been proven in various projects, the realisation is still on hold. The reasons can be found in several risks for wastewater disposal companies that are linked to the implementation process. Based on an analysis of the general context of an implementation of a new sanitary system in a typical rural area of Eastern Germany, this paper analyses to which extend the implementation of such innovative approaches can be facilitated by the regulation system and which steps need to be taken. According to this aim, risks that can hamper the transformation of the wastewater sector are identified, major administrative controlling mechanisms outlined and depicted in which strategic approach these could be used in order to foster the implementation of resource-oriented sanitary systems. As a result, the feasibility of the implementation of new alternative sanitary systems through the strategic application of the controlling mechanisms is generally proven. However, collaborations of the wastewater sectors with stakeholders of other sectors are required. PubDate: Sat, 28 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT
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