Planning Theories are Still Applicable

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By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Planning theory is a crucial aspect of urban and regional planning, providing the intellectual framework and guiding principles that shape how planners think about the design, development, and management of spaces. Here’s an overview of key concepts and theories in planning:

1. Rational Planning Theory

  • Description: Rational planning is a systematic, step-by-step approach to decision-making. It is often seen as a linear process, beginning with problem identification, followed by the setting of goals, generation of alternatives, evaluation of alternatives, and finally, implementation and monitoring.
  • Criticism: It is criticized for being too rigid and not accounting for the complexities of real-world planning, where multiple stakeholders and unpredictable factors play a role.

2. Incrementalism

  • Description: Also known as “muddling through,” incrementalism suggests that planning should proceed through small, manageable changes rather than grand, comprehensive plans. Decisions are made through a series of minor adjustments rather than sweeping changes.
  • Key Figure: Charles Lindblom.
  • Criticism: It may lead to a lack of long-term vision and perpetuate existing inequalities.

3. Advocacy Planning

  • Description: Advocacy planning emerged in response to the perceived failure of traditional planning to address the needs of marginalized communities. It argues that planners should act as advocates for underrepresented groups, ensuring their voices are heard in the planning process.
  • Key Figure: Paul Davidoff.
  • Criticism: It can lead to conflicts between different advocacy groups and may challenge the notion of the planner as a neutral expert.

4. Communicative Planning Theory

  • Description: This theory focuses on the role of communication and dialogue in the planning process. It emphasizes the importance of engaging all stakeholders in a collaborative process where diverse perspectives are considered.
  • Key Figures: Patsy Healey, John Forester.
  • Criticism: It can be time-consuming and may struggle to reconcile deep-seated conflicts among stakeholders.

5. Radical Planning

  • Description: Radical planning challenges the status quo by questioning the power dynamics inherent in traditional planning processes. It advocates for grassroots, bottom-up approaches that empower communities to take control of their own development.
  • Key Figure: John Friedmann.
  • Criticism: It may face resistance from established institutions and be difficult to implement on a large scale.

6. Sustainable Planning

  • Description: Sustainable planning integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations to create development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • Key Concepts: Sustainability, resilience, ecological balance.
  • Criticism: Balancing the three pillars of sustainability can be challenging, and trade-offs are often required.

7. New Urbanism

  • Description: New Urbanism advocates for the creation of walkable, mixed-use communities that reduce dependence on cars and foster a sense of community. It promotes traditional town planning principles such as human-scale development, diverse housing options, and public spaces.
  • Key Figures: AndrĂ©s Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk.
  • Criticism: It has been critiqued for sometimes leading to gentrification and not always being affordable.

These theories highlight the diversity of approaches to planning, reflecting different priorities, values, and understandings of how best to manage urban and regional development. Each theory has its strengths and weaknesses, and planners often draw on multiple theories to address the complex challenges they face.

References

Allmendinger, P. (2017). Planning theory. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Brooks, M. (2019). Planning theory for practitioners. Routledge.

Faludi, A. (Ed.). (2013). A reader in planning theory (Vol. 5). Elsevier.

Friedmann, J. (1998). Planning theory revisited. European Planning Studies, 6(3), 245-253.

Fainstein, S. S. (2005). Planning theory and the city. Journal of planning education and research, 25(2), 121-130.

Sharma, S. N. (2013). Participatory Planning in Practice. Lulu. com.

Sharma, S. N., & Abhishek, K. (2015). Planning Issue in Roorkee Town. Planning.