Chapter Four: Concept and Theories of Urban Planning

This chapter begins by tracing the origin of the term ‘planning’, revealing its complexity and the extensive range of meanings it encompasses, from future thinking to integrated decision-making. The chapter categorizes planning into two broad classes as per Friedmann (1987): the 19th-century period linked to social reform tradition, and the era around the Great Depression and World War II, associated with policy analysis and social learning. Furthermore, the chapter contrasts land use planning with spatial planning. Substantial emphasis is placed on sustainable urban planning models, frameworks, and assessment tools. These include approaches like Rethink Cities, land use zoning, eco city concepts, and the systems approach. Each of these models addresses different aspects of sustainable urban development, from holistic thinking and ecological resilience to smart growth and technological integration in urban planning. This chapter also delves into innovative models such as the sustainable infrastructure land-use environment and transport (SILENT) model and strategic environmental assessment (SEA).

The SILENT model, a sophisticated GIS-based tool for urban sustainability indexing, assesses urban sustainability performance. Meanwhile, SEA integrates environmental factors into policies, plans, and programmes (PPPs). This chapter provides an in-depth account of the evolution and variety of planning concepts, highlighting the transition towards more collaborative and sustainable urban planning methods. It highlights the benefits of integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations in urban development, marking a significant progression from traditional planning methods to innovative, sustainable models.