Research

Traditionally, maps aspire to be as precise, clear, and unambiguous as possible. In spatial planning, however, the opposite is needed sometimes. As spatial planning is a discipline dealing with the future, spatial planning maps not only show existing tangible objects (like the built road network of a city) and completely developed concepts (say, the spatial distribution of age groups across a city). Instead, they often show assumptions, hypotheses, suggestions, and questions, that are still open to discussion (for example, a rough vision of how an old industry area could  to be redeveloped). Spatially visualising these ‘unfinished ideas’ in an adequate manner is crucial for the creative design process. It leaves room for discussion and opens space for new solutions.

The goal of this project is thus to develop design recommendations, workflows, and tools for spatial planners to support them in creating such visualisations during the different stages of the spatial planning process. A special focus will be put on illustrative styles as examples from practice promise a high potential for such visualisations.