Growth target as a barrier to knowledge integration and provision of alternative scenarios in urban planning

Abstract The complex task of urban planning requires multidisciplinary knowledge co-creation. Due to the urgency climate change mitigation and threats environmental changes pose areas, effective integration is ever more important understand systemic effects solutions. findings an interview study conducted in 2020-2021 suggest that many interrelated challenges barriers hindering co-creative production practice exist. One barrier seems be time constraints planners struggle with, which connected strategic political targets emphasising growth. In this paper, concern further explored: How have City Helsinki been formulated three publicly available strategies policy papers guiding development? Is pressure grow overriding qualitative aims set for achieving highly anticipated sustainability transformation? Conclusions indicate a need open discussion concerning cities: target produce detailed plans high numbers, or aim best quality living environment meet ambitious goals?