The Factors of Spatial Engagement of the Residents in the Context of Socio-Spatial Planning: On the Example of Settlements of Enlarged Communities of RA

Settlements, as meaningful spaces, undergo continuous planning due to interactions with the local residents. Due to the complex relationships of the modern society, the current approaches to the change of settlements come to the idea of socio-spatial planning. Socio-spatial planning according to Erdiaw-Kwasie and Basson is “…the branch of planning focused on understanding why different groups of people embrace, contest or reject spatial changes, how they take a lead in shaping their own space, and ways to make them active in spatial transformations” [3, p. 3]. The socio-spatial planning approach establishes the vital importance of a mutually agreed and equal relationship between the professional community and the residents in spatial planning processes, as well as ensuring public participation in the planned changes. Therefore, socio-spatial planning has a development trend and it is directly related to the growth of participation of residents operating in local spaces. With the continued growth of participation, socio-spatial planning is being redefined as participatory planning.