Loris Servillo

Background

About Loris Servillo

I have a long-term interest in the theme of spatial justice / territorial cohesion, with a specific focus on the role of small and medium-sized cities and their territorial structure, and how forms of inter-municipal governance processes can activate non-standard regions for territorial strategies and coordination of specific themes (e.g. access to services). At the same time, I have been investigating the role of the EU in addressing the aim of territorial cohesion and spatial justice through regulations, instruments and tools, and discourses. In particular, the very recent instruments CLLD (Community Led Local Development) and ITI (Integrated Territorial Investment) offer promising ways of addressing urban and territorial dimensions of spatial injustice. As a background, my professional and academic experience has been built in Italy and Belgium with a record of studies and working activities in the following fields: a) Spatial planning, with a double focus: 1) the instruments and the techniques in different planning systems in Europe and their dynamics of change; 2) the understanding of the EU in setting up urban and regional economic development agenda and several urban initiatives, and the way they have brought innovations. b) Territorial and socio-spatial analyses, at the EU level and lower scales, concerning spatial and economic dynamics and human mobility. The analysis provides both theoretical reflections and policy formulations in relation to compelling challenges such as territorial cohesion, spatial justice and sustainable development aims. c) Community-led and strategic spatial planning initiatives in urban contexts in Europe, both as a researcher and as a practitioner. As a practitioner, I have worked with local administrations in 3 professional domains: 1) Spatial plans and strategic programs; 2) Stakeholder involvement and participatory processes; 3) Innovative regeneration projects (Urban-like, Contract de Quartier, Life+ programs).