Power and space: Understanding spatial refiguration through the lens of the regime

This paper explores the concept of the regime and its potential for understanding processes of spatial refiguration through four main steps. First, it sketches the landscape of regime-concepts across five research projects of the collaborative research center "Re-Figuration of Spaces" (CRC 1265) mainly concerned with this topic. Second, it identifies common ground among different approaches in these projects, emphasizing the centrality of diverse actors and their relationships, the asymmetry of power, and the dynamic nature of regimes that require constant maintenance and adaptation. Third, it uses conversations to delve into spatial regimes while focusing on how regimes shape research methodologies, the definition of refiguration, and the relationship between regimes and spatial change (including the role of conflicts and overflows). Finally, this paper synthesizes insights, highlighting the multifaceted nature of regime-induced spatial change, the importance of empirical examples, the utility of mapping and complexity reduction, and the concept of multiple spatialities. It concludes that the regime concept enriches theoretical frameworks and enhances the understanding and analysis of spatial dynamics.