Integration

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In urban and regional planning, the focus is increasingly on integration and the creation of cohesive spatial, political, economic, and social units. However, there remains ambiguity about the types of units to establish, how to foster cohesion through spatial planning, and the implications for spatial and cultural diversity. Encounters with diverse perspectives are crucial for fostering innovation, while metropolises rely on their hinterlands for ecological balance and recreation. Yet, diversity can also lead to alienation and exclusion, particularly for ethnic minorities and socially disadvantaged groups, resulting in some areas becoming economically or politically marginalized. The challenge lies in effectively balancing the integration of diverse ethnic, social, political, and religious groups within urban society while maintaining the diversity that enhances a city's appeal. Additionally, minimizing conflicts over space usage and leveraging civil-society initiatives in planning processes is essential for safeguarding the common good without resorting to restrictive planning. These pressing issues were explored at the ARL’s Young Professionals’ Forum conference on “Integration – Stadt, Land, Me(e/h)r” in Hamburg, where contributions from academics and practitioners addressed fundamental questions across four main themes: integrating newcomers at city and neighborhood levels, strategies for city regions and European cohesio