PL599 : The Class : Planning Basics : Planning History : Planning History

The history of planning can be traced back to Hippodamus and his grid pattern plan for the reconstruction of ancient Miletus in 450 B.C. This week's readings focus on the more modern history of planning and major movements within the last 200 years when planning actually becomes recognized for its own merits (planners, not engineers or architects)- although there will be some design related information. Parts of first listed readings, however, are for the more novice of you. They fall under the category of "why plan?" As all planners know, planning is about as well understood by the general population as the profession of geography. Most have no clue. Those that do have a clue are likely to feel less than charitable as the regulatory arm (zoning, plan permitting) is what they have come to know. Our cities are planned for specific reasons. We believe that some sort of order helps with efficiency, protects property and increases tax bases, helps provide social and physical structures needed for the operation of the city as an organism and the well-being of its citizens. As much as many would have you believe, a straight profit motive-based society will not provide equity, and a democratically logical form to the city. Planners are concerned with financial issues, but also equity, physical systems, sustainability, social values, and the health, safety, and welfare of the city's people. This past decade, design and people's relationship to space has been again brought to the fore, harkening back to the 60s and Kevin Lynch as well as a return to a somewhat traditional layout scheme as seen in neotraditional design.

Several important movements are introduced briefly in the readings, as well as excerpts on individuals who impacted the planning scene. For those studying for the AICP, these are good starting places. Additional biographical information is readily available. If you are currently experienced in planning, this will be primarily a review.


Things to think about…

How were environmental concerns being interpreted? What about social concerns?

How do the movements compare to each other? Do they build on each other's philosophies, or are they reactionary? Can you cite current examples that are reactionary?

Do you see a change in the attitude toward planning in cities, suburbs, or smaller towns? What would indicate a change or the status quo?

Do we need planning?

Additional Reading:

Donald Krueckeberg. The American Planner. This book is full of biographies of "planners" who made large impacts.

To complete this Topic successfully, please complete the following activities in the order shown below:

TEXTBOOK READING : Reading

ASSIGNMENT: Opinion Paper (OP1) DUE: Thursday of Week 3. Post your response at the VCC

Go on to Theory and Models
or
Go back to Introduction

Copyright © 1999 Northern Arizona University
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED