Abstract
In this paper, we study the characteristics and results of two different approaches to urban regeneration which we have termed ‘Metagovernance’ and ‘Pluricentric coordination’ following. We studied this through a comparative study of area-based, participatory urban regeneration projects in Denmark and Japan, representing each one approach. The paper aims to clarify results of the two approaches in terms of five aspects of urban regeneration, relevant to the process and results: (1) strategic spatial improvement, (2) influence of the legal system and transparency of the processes, (3) empowerment of citizens and diversity of participants, (4) innovative capacity (diversity and creativity of the projects) and (5) continuity and flexibility of the projects. The paper concludes that each approach has strengths and weaknesses and that each country can learn from the other to strengthen future participatory urban regeneration.
Notes
1. The different number of interviews in Denmark and Japan is attributable to the fact that the study of survey in Japan also specifically examined the improvement of living environments by residents for another Japanese research effort. Therefore, we think that the different number of interviews presents no problem in terms of meaningful results.
Some data for this paper have come from interviews conducted with the following persons:
Denmark ministry and municipality three, staff of local office seven, members of steering committee four, local citizens three, members of local council one, researchers two, landscape designers four.
Japan local residents and entrepreneurs 169, members of consultative meeting five, municipality three, local professionals six, researchers of local study group two, members of local non-profit organization four.