Using Geodesign Studio to Explore Alternative Local Spatial Development Scenarios in Serbia

Abstract

Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) in Serbia are reduced to the pursuit of economic growth and spatial planning in local areas is reduced to a governance mechanism for attracting investment. Similarly, if existing, digital technologies in local spatial planning are mostly used as a source of digital spatial data and not as planning support systems. Planning reforms conducted in the last two decades produce secluded, largely digitized administrative activities and technical documentation elaboration driven by the narrow, mostly national government interests. These sidestep the localization of SDGs and enhance profit-oriented interventions of powerful actors in local areas. The aim of the geodesign teaching studio conducted at the University of Belgrade in 2021 was to engage students in the elaboration of the International Geodesign Collaboration (IGC) project for the Municipality of Ivanjica and use relevant digital technologies as alternative planning themes, methods and support systems. Complying to the IGC conventions, the selection of locally relevant assumptions and innovations for the future sustainable spatial development for 10 systems was made. The Steinitz’s Geodesign framework and Geodesignhub were used to design six scenarios, iteratively and collaboratively. Five scenarios differed in the starting year and intensity of implemented innovations, while the sixth reflected the “planning as usual” scenario. Consequently, the scenarios had different performance against the 17 SDGs achievement matrix. By collaboratively exploring Ivanjica’s alternative spatial development scenarios and their anticipated SDGs performance, students better understood the process of localizing SDGs and learned how local stakeholders can be empowered to advocate, plan and act towards a more sustainable future.