Institutions, routines, and crises: Post-earthquake housing recovery in Mexico City and Los Angeles.

摘要

How effective are planning institutions in addressing the complexity, uncertainty, and change that characterize contemporary cities? This is a study of how planning institutions dealt with crisis recovery; that is, recovery from situations marked by intense complexity, heightened uncertainty, and sudden change.; Based on an analytical framework derived from institutional literature and planning theory, the study examines two successful housing recovery programs during crisis situations: the Renovacion Habitacional Popular program in Mexico City following the 1985 earthquake, and the Ghost Town program in Los Angeles following the 1994 earthquake. Both programs have been applauded for their rapid action, massive funding, improved conditions, community outreach, and institutional coordination.; Through personal interviews, site visits, analysis of official documents and newspaper accounts, and data analysis, the study addresses the following research questions: In what manner were the planning institutions successful, if at all? Which familiar and established institutional arrangements, policies, programs, and practices (i.e., routines) did they adopt when faced with large, unexpected shocks (i.e., crises)? How do institutional actors in different political-economic contexts respond to similar crisis situations? What are the lessons of these institutional actions for future crises, and for normal operations in urban planning?; The study argues that planning institutions perform successfully during crises due primarily to routines, which are usually overlooked or decried as being bureaucratic. Planning institutions responded effectively to the crises by adapting institutional routines quickly and efficiently to new circumstances. While these routines can be constraints under normal conditions, they also act as powerful tools during exceptional times, serving as catalysts to release the disciplined energy of institutions to perform effectively, resolve problems, and re-establish order.; The two case studies provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics of urban planning in two ways. First, the case studies demonstrate that explicit and systematic institutional analysis helps an understanding of what works in planning, and why. Second, they demonstrate the manner in which institutional routines serve as powerful and effective tools for addressing novel situations in different political-economic contexts.