This book guides readers to a better understanding of the German planning system and its responses to the critical challenges of 21st century spatial planning, such as patterns of shrinkage and growth with ongoing economic structural change, demographic change and environmental challenges—particularly climate change. It explores the legal framework and offers in-depth insights into the content, process, and implementation of comprehensive spatial plans. It also features good-practice urban development projects, incorporating compact city principles, mixed-use, sustainable mobility and water-sensitive development.

The German planning system is unique in terms of local planning sovereignty and rich in innovation due to its balanced federal structure and competition between the best spatial planning concepts. It is purposefully designed as a learning system which integrates systematic research, planning practice and further development of the legal framework in order to foster the innovation of good ideas for planning solutions and provide the necessary tools to turn them into built reality. The book is written for an international readership, providing the basis for the comparison of different planning systems to identify the most efficacious solutions for sustainable urban development. It will be of use to international students, scholars and practitioners of urban planning looking to address the vital challenges facing communities today.