PLANNING METHODS AND GOOD CITY FORM

摘要

This article argues that the urban planning profession needs a renewed emphasis on the methods of three-dimensional physical planning. The professional credibility of the planning profession hinges on its ability to produce good city form reliably and consistently, based upon a creative fusion of traditional patterns with modern technologies. Planning should remain a broad and inclusive field, but planners need to do a better job of synthesizing their research and reflection into the creation of great places. The routine approval of poorly designed, fragmented, auto-dependent sprawl development throws the whole planning enterprise into question, since these landscapes can be created without meaningful input from planners. Critical methods for the production of great places include (1) methods for site analysis and capturing the "sense of place, " (2) methods for public participation, (3) methods for the design of cities and regions, (4) methods for the writing and administration of urban and architectural codes, and (5) methods for the evaluation of built environments. These methods must be fused with substantive knowledge and normative views of good city form. The products of this professional activity should be places that are beautiful, functional, equitable, sustainable, and spiritually rewarding. This task is the perennial center of gravity of the profession of urban and regional planning.