Urban Planning: what is it and why is it necessary?

To answer this question two academic documents by Raphael Fischler and Richard E. Klosterman were perscribed. Fischler outlines the main principles of planning and what common confusions of the practice in his reading 'Fifty Thesis on Urban Planning and Urban Planners'. In Klosterman's article; 'Arguments For and Against Planning', he outlines why planning is necessary and identifies common arguments from the perspectives of different ideologies.

Fifty Thesis on Urban Planning and Urban Planners - Fischler

Raphael Fischler's 'Fifty Thesis on Urban Planning and Urban Planners' aim to develop a common view towards the discipline and eliminate misconceptions about what planners face and what is thought of the practice. Fischler begins by identifying the differences between various views of planning and what planning is used for. It is a common belief that planners are used for developing political power and implementing social structure rather than focusing on community wellbeing and improving urban life. The document then goes on to explain exactly what planners are good for and what planning achieves, including a general aim of solving the 'social, functional and aesthetic problems of the industrial city’.

Planning can be implemented in a way of which emphasises community wants, values and diversity through community consultation and involvement. Good urban planning is achieved when a sense of community, relationships and involvement is produced through the urban policies and design. If a town feels they have appropriate access to supplies, their values are upheld, are in good health, are living in an enjoyable environment, and most importantly feel involved in the decision making or urban policies, then a good urban planning system is in effect. 

The document also discusses the education element of planning, as well as the qualities of urban planners that are needed to create good urban systems. Planning is a multidisciplinary field which means planners are required to have a large understanding of many subjects involved in decision making. They need to be passionate and able to communicate effectively to be able to coordinate and consolidate. They must be able to persuade and explain ideas and reasons, but also be open to suggestions and criticism. Urban planners are required to be creative and innovative to be able to develop urban plans that are beneficial to urban life. 

Arguments For and Against Planning - Klosterman

Richard E. Klosterman outlines main areas of arguments for and against urban and regional planning, which explain why planning is necessary. The three areas which produce the greatest arguments include the economic,pluralist and traditional and arguments. Klosterman begins by discussing the economic perspective, where it is believed it would impose financial and administrative burdens on the economy. Urban planning is a public good, whereby it is provided to the public at no direct cost. It provides benefits to the community including better social capital and connectivity to commute and involve. However there are often externalities, or 'spill-over' effects. However these can be viewed as both due to urban planning and due to avoiding planning. Congestion, traffic, pollution and lack of greenspace are all problems urban planners seek to solve. However in solving these problems there is often a need for detouring, noise and production costs.

Pluralist arguments begin with who owns the power in planning. Planners are seen as political advocates, who follow the policies and frameworks given to them. To avoid creating plans that are do not just consist of government input, community involvement and consultation is needed to involve those that are impacted in the decision making. Urban planners should also be more involved in the decision making at a political level so there is a greater outcome for future communities. 

In the traditional and Marxist arguments there continues to be evidence of community involvement and the need for current urban planning policies and practices to be used, which will in turn better the urban life for the future. There is ultimately a gap between planning's potential and performance, which can be closed by analysing actions before implementation and involving all those who are directly involved. It is also important for planners to be passionate, to be certain and knowledgeable, this will close the gap and ensure they are used to their potential rather than being overlooked.

- Rachelle Hardaker