Sustainability, Spatial Justice and Social Cohesion in City Planning: What Does a Case Study on Urban Renaturalisation Teach Us?

Abstract

[Abstract]: Rapid urbanisation generates important challenges in terms of sustainability and spatial justice, but also presents opportunities to transform cities into more equitable and resilient spaces. This study addresses these issues and aims to analyse the perceptions and evaluations of the resident population of Pontevedra about urban spaces in the framework of a renaturalisation project, integrating socio-demographic and spatial justice factors. Quantitative methods such as factor analysis, cluster analysis and multiple regression were used to identify patterns of satisfaction and the use of urban spaces. This study reveals significant differences in the valuation of urban spaces according to socio-demographic variables, especially in relation to sustainability and social cohesion. The findings thus provide empirical evidence to guide more inclusive urban policies and emphasise the need to incorporate citizen participation in urban design to promote territorial equity.