Urban planning and criminal powers: Theoretical and practical implications

The paper discusses the results of long and extensive research based on Italian cases-studies that argued the need for a systematic investigation of the relationship between urban planning and criminal powers in the control of space and in local governmental processes. The research assumption was the general condition of knowledge it would be profitable to explore and develop in order to understand and redirect a relationship that has been generally underestimated in our field, both theoretically and practically, in order to highlight specific implications for and responsibilities of urban planners. The awareness and knowledge which emerged from the research was considered relevant to improving urban planning practices and underscoring full commitment as both practitioners and educators in those areas of urban planning where strong and illicit powers are present.