The concept of integration in spatial planning: An exploration

Integration has become a central standpoint in planning practices in Europe. Multifunctionality, complexity, coordination, and partnership are concepts often mentioned in connection with integration in planning processes. Although these concepts do not automatically reflect an integrated planning practice, they are used as signifiers to show the necessity of integration in planning projects. The apparent role of integration in planning is revealed in studies of several researchers. A universal definition of the concept of integration seems to be lacking. When looking at integration in planning practice, different stakeholders give different meanings to the concept and use different signifiers to point out integration in planning processes. Furthermore, some Dutch stakeholders questioned the roleand necessity of integration in planning projects during interviews, pointing out the complex and time consuming character of integrated planning processes. This paper explores the concept of integration in both planning literature and practice. It addresses different meanings of integration in spatial planning and the ability of integration to function as an umbrella-term.