The Open City and its Allies: Urban Planning Ethics in Practice

Stefano Cozzolino, a researcher of the ‘Spatial Planning and Urban Design’ research group, has edited an Open Access book in collaboration with Anita De Franco of the Polytechnic University of Milano. This book explores the concept of the open city, examining its theoretical foundations, normative implications, and real-world practices in contemporary urban planning. The chapters move from conceptual debates on openness and empirical cases, investigating how cities address key challenges such as democracy, freedom, inclusion, creativity, learning, governance, and urban change. By connecting urban theory with planning practice, the volume offers a critical yet accessible reflection on the future of cities. Developed through the work of the Thematic Group “Ethics, Values and Planning” of the Association of European Schools of Planning. More…