From comprehensive planning to small interventions

Economic development in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) significantly influenced urban planning strategies, revealing that neither advanced methodologies nor political emphasis could halt the decay of urban areas. The study highlights how economic crises shaped planning approaches, leading to a shift from comprehensive, evidence-based strategic plans in the 1950s and 60s—marked by innovations like standardized building condition assessments—to piecemeal interventions later on. Despite technological advancements, including the introduction of information technology in planning, these were often subordinate to political decisions. Case studies of Stralsund, Halle/Saale, and Bernau illustrate this dynamic, emphasizing the interplay between economic conditions and urban planning outcomes.

Noeske, J. (2024). From comprehensive planning to small interventions. Histories of Urban Planning and Political Power, 129–144. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003475224-12