Who shall plan, for what purposes, in what
conditions, and by which devices?
What is the future without planners?
Planners are continuously evolving this fast-paced growing world, utilising
skills and knowledge to better the people.
The world is their playground; their canvas and the people are their on-going
motivation and focus.
Mr. Smith and Mr. Mill commonly share a different
understanding of the processes and purposes of planning… They say: Financial
and administrative burdens on the economy? Competitive markets the only
markets?
I don’t think so.
Planning is a necessity of life. The government is the primary source of funds
for planning projects. Without the government intervening, projects do not
begin or finish, let alone get looked at.
Which then means society is burdened as their needs and wants begin to
play a role in the scheme of things.
The government and society are supposed to
work together, building guidelines and foundations, which can be utilised on
both levels. I do, however, agree that
planning can be used to counteract externalities and issues involving
prisoner’s dilemma conditions.
I like the pluralist approach! Functional
and compromising.
Informed decision-making equals improved
decisions. Educating communities of future plans and initiatives is a positive
step forward in achieving the publics’ valued opinions and this is the only flaw of this model. The government exists only as an enforcement
of the guidelines although foremost, benefitting business and corporations. The public needs to be apart of the whole process so that both the public and the government are
informed.
This proves that planning is never ever a
one-man band. There are always many
strings attached and if those strings are interfered with, then there is
disruption and disconnection.
Regardless of these planning approaches and
arguments; planning is about the people, making the people feel apart of the
bigger picture, a part of something new and exciting, and essentially about
pleasing the people.
So…
Who shall plan? We shall plan – the
planners of the present and future
For what purposes? To better the people and
the constantly growing world
In what conditions? Using guidelines and
foundations enforced
By which devices? For the purpose of the
society and future generations
Great post Jess.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the pluralist approach is the best one.
Everything we have learned about planning up to this stage revolves around the ideal that the public inform the planning. Without their input and their consent nothing will ever get done, you could say its grass roots democracy in action!
I believe the future holds much need for planners especially in sustainability. It seems we will be the architects of the liveable future.
I also think the pluralist argument is a good one. It seemed the only one from the reading which incorpotates contemporary ideas, rather than the neo-liberalist concerns of economic discussions. While an economic perspective is still valid, it must be achieved through involvement of all major parties to ensure that major investments will be beneficial and well patronised.
DeleteI agree Jess, planning is all about the people and ensuring that there voices, concerns and needs are met. A large part of being a planner is pleasing everyone, although realistically this is not always going to happen
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