Mapping urban regeneration through multiple dimensions of temporality: A visual analysis of three approaches to Theory of Change

This paper analyses some visual aspects of three Theory of Change maps, i.e. logic planning models used to explore and abstractly represent a potential change in a way that reflects a complex and systemic understanding of development. Theory of Change emerged in philanthropic initiatives and is based on two streams of work: evaluation and informed social practice. The Theory of Change maps analysed in this paper are created to support complex urban regeneration projects within the context of T-Factor, a four-year innovation action funded by the European Commission and taking place in six cities under regeneration across Europe. As such, these maps are primarily geared toward (a) representing fundamental systemic properties of the areas under regeneration and (b) envisioning how the coordinated action of several city stakeholders could drive urban change (and urban regeneration). Particularly, the paper will (a) study and compare the visual language through which these maps represent urban change and (b) propose ideas to expand how various dimensions of temporality are generally represented. The paper aims to articulate these temporal dimensions to provide those city stakeholders interested in adopting visual mapping to drive change in urban regeneration projects with tools to address the complexity they face.