For and Against Planning

Rickard Klosterman’s article “arguments for and against planning” 1985 gives us an insight of what many different arguments, opinions, theories and approaches society had towards planning in the mid 1980’s.  Reading this article it is clear, that almost thirty years ago urban planning was not as relevant and well accepted as it is today.

The planning profession has evolved to meet the needs of a modern city. Over time it has showed its ability to be able to adapt to the changes in society. Starting off from humble beginnings as a profession to only looking at the physical side of a town. It seemed to only fulfil basic needs of a town and to work problems out behind closed doors. The profession today has come out from behind closed doors to incorporate all surfaces of life whether they are social, economic or environmental ideals.

These ideals exceed the principles of planning being just the physical nature of buildings. Planning today is about much more than just the buildings but the ways these building will effect people and their behaviours ( ie. Attract low socio-economic status people therefore creating areas of slums and high crime rates). It shows the need that planning is not done behind closed doors but is a dynamic process that needs to be done in conjunction with the people it effects ( the community).

Today this industry cannot be ignored with pressing issues e.g. population growth and limited resources. I think that the government and society expects planners and the industry to clean up the mess of the past due to a lack of planning. It is important that planning continues to evolve in the future.

I wonder what else it may incorporate and models that may be presented within the future! All and all it is an exciting profession to enter as it continues to evolve and remain relevant!