Town and Regional Planning

Scope & Guideline

Fostering innovative planning solutions.

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of Town and Regional Planning with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1012-280x
PublisherUNIV FREE STATE, DEPT TOWN & REGIONAL PLANNING
Support Open AccessYes
CountrySouth Africa
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2019 to 2024
AbbreviationTOWN REG PLAN / Town Reg. Plan.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPO BOX 339, BLOEMFONTEIN 9300, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Town and Regional Planning' focuses on the interdisciplinary study of urban and regional development, addressing a wide range of socio-economic, environmental, and governance issues. Its aim is to contribute to sustainable planning practices and policies that promote inclusivity, resilience, and community engagement in urban and regional contexts.
  1. Sustainable Urban Development:
    Research on strategies and policies that promote sustainable development in urban areas, focusing on environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
  2. Community Engagement and Participation:
    Exploration of the role of community participation in planning processes, emphasizing participatory approaches that empower local populations.
  3. Land Use Planning and Management:
    Studies related to land-use planning, zoning, and the management of urban spaces, including the integration of environmentally sensitive areas.
  4. Social Justice and Equity in Planning:
    Investigation of issues related to social justice, housing rights, and equitable access to resources in urban settings.
  5. Impact of Climate Change:
    Research examining the effects of climate change on urban areas and strategies for adaptation, particularly in the context of informal settlements.
  6. Regional Planning Policies:
    Analysis of regional development policies and their impact on spatial planning and economic development within various geopolitical contexts.
The journal has seen a rise in interest in several emerging themes that reflect current global challenges and shifts in planning paradigms. These trends are indicative of the changing landscape in urban and regional planning and highlight areas of growing importance.
  1. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience:
    Increasing attention is being paid to the impacts of climate change and the need for urban resilience, particularly in informal settlements, as planners seek to address vulnerabilities in rapidly urbanizing areas.
  2. Inclusive Urban Development:
    Recent publications emphasize inclusivity in urban development, particularly concerning housing rights and community engagement in planning processes, reflecting a growing awareness of social equity.
  3. Public Participation and Governance:
    There is a notable trend towards exploring mechanisms for enhancing public participation in planning, with research focusing on how governance frameworks can support collaborative planning efforts.
  4. Urban Identity and Landscape Management:
    Emerging studies are focusing on the importance of urban identity and landscape management, particularly in the context of urban renewal and the preservation of cultural heritage.
  5. Cross-Border Regional Planning:
    Research on cross-border regional planning is gaining traction, particularly in the context of security, economic cooperation, and sustainable development in regions like Southern Africa.

Declining or Waning

As the field of urban and regional planning evolves, some themes have shown a decline in prominence within the publications of 'Town and Regional Planning'. This section highlights those areas that seem to be receiving less attention in recent years.
  1. Traditional Infrastructure Planning:
    There is a noticeable decline in studies focusing solely on traditional infrastructure planning, as the journal shifts towards more integrated and sustainable approaches that consider social and environmental factors.
  2. Top-Down Planning Approaches:
    Research emphasizing top-down planning methodologies is waning, reflecting a broader trend towards community-driven and participatory planning practices.
  3. Focus on Economic Growth Alone:
    Themes centered solely on economic growth, without considering environmental and social dimensions, appear to be less frequent, indicating a shift towards more holistic planning perspectives.
  4. Historical Urban Studies:
    While still relevant, historical analyses of urban development are receiving less emphasis compared to contemporary issues such as climate change and social justice.
  5. Conventional Transportation Planning:
    Research focusing on traditional transportation planning, particularly car-centric models, is declining in favor of discussions around sustainable and non-motorized transport solutions.

Similar Journals

TOWN PLANNING REVIEW

Transforming Urban Landscapes with Scholarly Insight
Publisher: LIVERPOOL UNIV PRESSISSN: 0041-0020Frequency: 6 issues/year

TOWN PLANNING REVIEW is a prestigious academic journal published by Liverpool University Press, focusing on pivotal research in the fields of urban studies and planning. Established in 1977, this journal has become a leading platform for the exploration of contemporary urban challenges and innovative planning solutions, aligning with its impressive Q1 rankings in both Geography, Planning and Development and Urban Studies. With a Scopus rank of 73 out of 279 in Urban Studies, it holds a strong presence in the academic community, making significant contributions to the scholarship and practice of town planning. Although it is not an open-access journal, it continues to reach a global audience by disseminating high-quality, peer-reviewed research. Researchers, professionals, and students interested in advancing their understanding of urbanization processes, planning methodologies, and policy implications will find TOWN PLANNING REVIEW an invaluable resource as it bridges theoretical insights and practical applications in the dynamic landscape of urban development.

European Spatial Research and Policy

Navigating the Complexities of Spatial Policy Across Europe
Publisher: LODZ UNIV PRESSISSN: 1231-1952Frequency: 2 issues/year

European Spatial Research and Policy, published by LODZ UNIV PRESS, is a distinguished Open Access academic journal that has been contributing to the field of Geography, Planning, and Development since its inception in 2009. With an ISSN of 1231-1952 and an E-ISSN of 1896-1525, this journal has established itself as a vital resource for researchers and policymakers in understanding spatial dynamics and policy implications across Europe. Recognized within the 2023 Q2 category for Geography, Planning, and Development, it ranks impressively #236 out of 821 in its category on Scopus, placing it in the 71st percentile. The journal’s aim is to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and disseminate innovative research that addresses pressing spatial challenges. Since transitioning to Open Access in 2013, it has enhanced accessibility for scholars, making its rich content readily available to a global audience. Located in Lodz, Poland, European Spatial Research and Policy is poised to continue its commitment to excellence in spatial research, offering critical insights for academics, professionals, and students alike.

Cuadernos de Vivienda y Urbanismo

Exploring the Nexus of Housing and Urban Dynamics
Publisher: PONTIFICIA UNIV JAVERIANA, FACULTAD ARQUITECTURA DISENOISSN: 2027-2103Frequency: 2 issues/year

Cuadernos de Vivienda y Urbanismo, published by the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Facultad de Arquitectura y Diseño, serves as a vital platform for researchers and practitioners in the fields of urban studies and planning. With a focus on the intricate relationships between housing, urban development, and social dynamics, this journal aims to foster interdisciplinary discourse and present innovative research that addresses contemporary urban challenges. Although its coverage on Scopus has been discontinued from 2012 to 2019, it continues to be an informative resource for understanding urban phenomena, evidenced by its rankings in the 24th percentile in Urban Studies and the 10th percentile in Geography, Planning and Development. Scholars and professionals are encouraged to explore the rich repository of articles that reflect both local and global contexts, providing insights that inform policy and practice in urban environments.

JOURNAL OF PLANNING EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

Illuminating the Path to Sustainable Urban Development
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0739-456XFrequency: 4 issues/year

JOURNAL OF PLANNING EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, published by SAGE Publications Inc, stands at the forefront of academic discourse in the fields of planning, geography, and urban studies. Established in 1981 and continuing through to 2024, this esteemed journal features cutting-edge research and critical analyses that address the pressing challenges of urbanization and community development. As a recognized leader with prestigious Q1 rankings in Development, Geography, Planning and Development, and Urban Studies categories, it ranks 22nd out of 279 in Urban Studies, underscoring its influence with a remarkable 92nd percentile ranking in the Scopus database. Although the journal does not currently offer open access options, it provides a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to understanding and shaping the complex dynamics of urban environments. With a commitment to advancing knowledge and practice, the journal supports interdisciplinary scholarship and encourages the publication of innovative ideas that foster sustainable urban solutions.

Planning Theory & Practice

Bridging theory and practice for transformative planning solutions.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1464-9357Frequency: 5 issues/year

Planning Theory & Practice is a premier academic journal dedicated to the exploration and advancement of urban and regional planning, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd. With a significant impact factor, the journal proudly holds the prestigious Q1 status in the Geography, Planning, and Development category, as evidenced by its remarkable ranking of #139 out of 821 in Scopus, placing it within the top 83rd percentile of its field. Since its inception in 2000, the journal has served as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to contribute to the body of knowledge in planning theory, practice, and policy innovation. While it currently does not offer open access options, its rich, peer-reviewed content is accessible through numerous academic databases, ensuring a wide-reaching impact in the scholarly community. Positioned at the intersection of theory and practice, Planning Theory & Practice continues to influence contemporary discourses and methodologies in the field, fostering meaningful dialogue and development in planning research across the globe.

Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning

Shaping the Future of Spatial Development
Publisher: CLUJ UNIV PRESSISSN: 2069-3419Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning, published by CLUJ UNIV PRESS, stands as a prominent platform dedicated to advancing research and discourse in the realms of geography, planning, and development. With an ISSN of 2069-3419 and an E-ISSN of 2248-2199, this journal has established itself since its inception in 2015, showcasing a rich array of scholarly articles that address critical issues related to spatial planning and settlement studies. As indicated by its Q3 category ranking in the 2023 Scopus database, the journal currently holds a respectable spot in the academic landscape, ranked #401 out of 821 within its field, reflecting its dedication to quality research and innovative methodologies. Researchers, professionals, and students will find valuable insights and evidence-based analyses that provoke thoughtful dialogue and inspire future studies. Operating out of Cluj Napoca, Romania, the journal caters to an international audience, emphasizing open access to a breadth of essential knowledge, thereby fostering collaboration and exploration within this vital domain of social sciences.

Planlama-Planning

Pioneering Research for Sustainable Communities
Publisher: KARE PUBLISSN: 1300-7319Frequency: 3 issues/year

Planlama-Planning is a distinguished journal published by KARE PUBL, dedicated to the evolving field of urban and regional planning. With its ISSN 1300-7319, it provides a platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to share innovative research and comprehensive reviews on critical planning issues and methodologies. Situated in Istanbul, Turkiye, the journal aims to facilitate discussions that address contemporary challenges in planning and promote sustainable development. Although currently not an open-access journal, it upholds rigorous peer-review standards to ensure high-quality publications. With a commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration across disciplines, Planlama-Planning stands as a crucial resource for those engaged in shaping cities and communities worldwide.

Journal of Urban and Regional Analysis

Charting New Frontiers in Urban Studies
Publisher: BUCHAREST UNIV PRESSISSN: 2067-4082Frequency: 2 issues/year

Welcome to the Journal of Urban and Regional Analysis, a leading platform for scholarly research dedicated to the dynamic fields of urban and regional studies. Published by BUCHAREST UNIV PRESS and available through an open access model since 2009, this journal aims to disseminate innovative findings that explore complex interactions within urban environments. With an impact factor reflective of its solid academic standing, the journal proudly holds a Q2 quartile ranking in Urban Studies as of 2023, positioning it among the top-tier publications in the field. Based in Romania, the journal combines interdisciplinary approaches that cater to researchers, professionals, and students eager to contribute to and engage with the ongoing discourse surrounding territorial dynamics. By providing a platform for rigorous analysis and diverse perspectives, the Journal of Urban and Regional Analysis stands as an essential resource for anyone interested in the transformative processes shaping our urban landscapes.

Southeastern Geographer

Shaping the Future of Geographical Discourse
Publisher: ASSOC AMER GEOGRAPHERSISSN: 0038-366XFrequency: 4 issues/year

The Southeastern Geographer is a prominent academic journal published by the Association of American Geographers, dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Geography, Planning and Development. With an ISSN of 0038-366X and an E-ISSN of 1549-6929, this journal has been a staple in geographical scholarship since its inception, offering a platform for diverse research that spans over four decades, specifically from 1979 to 1994 and then from 1996 to 2024. The journal is currently classified in the Q3 category within its fields, indicating its significant influence in shaping contemporary geographical discourse. Researchers, professionals, and students alike benefit from its rigorously peer-reviewed articles that explore regional studies, environmental issues, and sociocultural dynamics, making it essential for anyone interested in the interconnectedness of geography and society. As a vital resource for advancing geographical education and research, the Southeastern Geographer continues to engage its audience with innovative insights and scholarly contributions.

EURE-REVISTA LATINOAMERICANA DE ESTUDIOS URBANO REGIONALES

Shaping the Future of Urban Environments in Latin America
Publisher: PONTIFICIA UNIV CATOLICA CHILE, INST ESTUDIOS URBANOS TERRITORIALESISSN: 0250-7161Frequency: 3 issues/year

EURE-REVISTA LATINOAMERICANA DE ESTUDIOS URBANO REGIONALES, published by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, is a pivotal journal in the field of Urban Studies, focusing on the complexities and dynamics of urban and regional environments across Latin America. Since its inception in 1979 and transitioning to an open-access format in 1997, this journal aims to provide a platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to share innovative research and insights on urban development, policy, and sustainability. With an impact factor robust enough to rank it in the Q2 category within Urban Studies and a Scopus rank of #124 out of 279, EURE stands out as a significant contributor to understanding urban phenomena in the region. Researchers and students alike will find in this journal a wealth of empirical studies, theoretical discussions, and case analyses, enriching the discourse on urban challenges and opportunities in contemporary Latin America.