Focusing on both methodological aspects and direct investigation of experiences, this collection of essays gathers reflections on ‘planning standards’ developed by researchers from different Italian universities. A varied selection of territories and practices gives a first sampling of situations where reinterpretations of the traditional categories introduced by the decree no. 1444/1968 highlight possible links with other urban spaces, tools and policies. Confirming the usefulness of the standards regulation, this picture helps trace perspectives for its evolution: from the construction of a national observatory about the achieved (quantitative and qualitative) equipment, to the overcoming of problems and reductions that have marked the spatial translation of standards over time.
Keywords: Planning standards; national observatory; urban policies