Planners as catalysts and initiators of change. The new structure plan for flanders

Abstract Through an intimate view of a very unique planning experiment this article illustrates that planning and planners are important. The committed mediation of planners proved to be effective in this case. The structure planning process for Flanders was used as a vehicle for change. New planning concepts were introduced; the former very negative attitude toward planning changed considerably. Spatial planning came back on the political agenda, and a new élan and a new spirit in the planning community emerged. The article focuses on how the basis of public support vital for the adoption of the plan has been secured.