Evolution of Planning Theory and Practice: Engineering Implications

Abstract

Planning theory and practice has evolved from a concern with “scientific efficiency” in the mid‐1800s to a recent emphasis on rationalized decision‐making. The period between has seen a continuing shift in focus including the “city beautiful” movement of the late 19th century, the pragmatists/technicians of the 1920s, the national resources concerns of the 1930s and 1940s, and the rational planning movement of the past three decades. The rational planning model (RPM) is a 5 step process that involves setting goals, defining alternatives, comparing alternatives, making a choice, and implementing the selected alternative. The RPM has three major problems, however: limited knowledge; the community welfare function; and implementation. Failures because of these problems have led to various attempts to modify the RPM. Although there is no single, best theory of planning, the planning function continues to play an important role and to evolve in response to continually changing societal needs.