A Critical Introduction to Planning Theory

This textbook offers an accessible overview of a century of planning theory, bringing a critical perspective rooted in contemporary research that will appeal to lecturers and to their students. Organised thematically, with a focus on institutional and justice issues, this book offers a well-grounded alternative to existing traditional overviews of planning theories by situating planning as a governance and regulatory practice. An essential text for researchers and students, it also offers an innovative framework for addressing current and future issues in urban and regional planning.

Provides an accessible and succinct overview of a century of planning theory Suggests a novel approach to contemporary and future challenges in the planning field Written in a plain and accessible style suitable for planning students and practitioners

Autorentext

Stefano Moroni is Full Professor of Planning at Milan Polytechnic University, Italy. He has extensive experience researching and teaching in the areas of planning therory, design and policy. He has been a member of the editorial board of the international scientific journal "Planning Theory" since the 1990s.

Inhalt

1. Introduction: Spatial planning at the intersection among complexity, institutions, and justice.- 2. What is planning theory and why is it important?.- 3. Two orthodox ideas of planning: Planning as teleocratic intervention and planning as a rational decision method.- 4. The role of planning and the role of planners: Political dimensions, ethical principles, communicative interaction.- 5. Distinguishing planning from the plan? On rule-making and infrastructure provision.- 6. The just city: Institutional and spatial justice, social and distributive justice, concepts and conceptions of justice.- 7. On property: Basic rights and contingent titles.- 8. Conclusions. Enduring and emerging challenges in planning 9. Annex I. Rethinking public and private property: Are the commons an alternative path?.- 10. Annex II. Informality and the dynamics of unauthorised settlement.