Prof. Mark Tewdwr-Jone – planning: past, present and future

Summary

In this thought-provoking speech celebrating the 50th anniversary of planning at UCD, the speaker critiques the current state of urban planning, arguing that it has become too focused on processes and metrics at the expense of addressing real societal needs. Reflecting on the past, the speaker highlights key historical shifts that shaped planning, while emphasizing the importance of flexibility and collaboration in future planning practices. The speaker calls for a more inclusive, user-centered approach, leveraging new technologies and cross-sector partnerships to engage citizens and foster resilient, sustainable cities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Planning has evolved over 50 years at UCD, adapting to societal and technological changes.
• 😀 The profession is often bogged down by bureaucracy, metrics, and rigid processes, which can detract from its larger purpose.
• 😀 The historical context of planning began in a time of significant societal changes, such as the rise of car ownership and technological advancements.
• 😀 Current planning tools focus too much on land use, failing to account for broader trends like technology and digital impacts on cities.
• 😀 The future of planning must be more flexible, user-centric, and focus on the needs of the public rather than the profession.
• 😀 Cross-sectoral collaboration is crucial for addressing planning challenges and creating meaningful change in urban environments.
• 😀 Institutions like universities can play a key role in bridging the gap between government, businesses, and the public in planning discussions.
• 😀 Public engagement in planning should be encouraged through innovative methods such as social media and digital technologies.
• 😀 There needs to be a shift from creating grand plans to fostering ongoing, dynamic conversations about urban development.
• 😀 The future of planning involves embracing technology, sustainability, and inclusivity in shaping cities that meet the diverse needs of the population.

Q & A

What is the primary theme of the speaker's talk?

The primary theme of the speaker's talk is the evolution of urban planning over the last 50 years, focusing on the profession's past, present, and future. The speaker critiques current planning practices and advocates for a more flexible, interdisciplinary approach that better serves societal needs.

How does the speaker view the state of urban planning today?

The speaker views urban planning today as overly focused on processes, procedures, and metrics. They believe that this has caused planners to lose sight of the broader purpose of planning, which should be to address societal needs and improve the quality of life in cities.

What are some of the key challenges facing urban planning according to the speaker?

Key challenges include an over-reliance on numbers and metrics, a fragmented approach where different sectors and policies often contradict each other, and a lack of public trust in the planning process. The speaker also highlights the decline in planning resources and staff, particularly in local authorities.

What does the speaker propose as a solution to the challenges of urban planning?

The speaker proposes a more flexible, collaborative, and interdisciplinary approach to urban planning. This includes involving multiple sectors, embracing new technologies, and focusing on user needs. The speaker advocates for creating neutral spaces for public debate and decision-making, fostering trust and engagement between various stakeholders.

What role do universities play in the speaker's vision for future urban planning?

Universities play a critical role in bridging the gap between different sectors and facilitating conversations about the future of cities. The speaker suggests that universities should not just focus on what they are good at, but on what they are good for—actively contributing to the cities they are part of, through collaborative research and community engagement.

What specific example does the speaker give of a collaborative planning project?

The speaker mentions the 'City Futures' initiative in Newcastle, a project that brings together municipal government, universities, the private sector, and the public. This platform fosters cross-sector collaboration to shape the future of the city, allowing for shared decision-making and problem-solving.

How does the speaker view the relationship between planning and technology?

The speaker sees technology as an essential tool for improving urban planning, particularly in engaging the public and addressing modern challenges. They mention projects that use smart technologies, like Apple Watches and smartphones, to involve young people in local planning debates and encourage democratic participation.

What is the speaker's stance on the use of data in urban planning?

While the speaker acknowledges the importance of data in urban planning, they caution against an over-reliance on it. They argue that while data is valuable for providing evidence, it should not dominate planning processes. The speaker advocates for a more balanced approach, where data supports, but does not dictate, decision-making.

What does the speaker mean by 'planning for its own sake'?

The speaker criticizes the idea of planning for its own sake, meaning planning that focuses too much on process and procedure without addressing the actual needs of society. They emphasize that planning should have a clear purpose and vision, aimed at improving the lives of people and communities, rather than merely fulfilling bureaucratic requirements.

How does the speaker relate urban planning to social issues like housing and health?

The speaker underscores that urban planning must consider a broad range of social issues, such as housing and health, and not just focus on land use. They mention projects that integrate housing solutions, sustainability, and health-related concerns, aiming to create cities that are not only livable but also inclusive and socially responsible.