Plan(e) Speaking: a Multiplanar Theory of Spatial Planning

Abstract

I develop a new theory of spatial planning. This is a multiple, relational approach of dynamic complexity to understanding and working with contingencies of place, time and actant behaviours. Inspired by the planar philosophy of Gilles Deleuze, I offer the potential for multiple planes: several — or perhaps one collectively preferred — broad trajectories or `visions' of the longer-term future — (Deleuzean planes of consistency or immanence) — and shorter-term, location-specific detailed plans and projects with collaboratively determined tangible goals — (planes of organization or transcendence). I explore what spatial planning practice could look like if it were to become along Deleuzean lines. I argue the case for performance-based planning rather than performance-measured, target-based master plans, discussing critical problems and issues for theory and practice.

Reinventing Planning: Critical Reflections

“…Several authors (e.g. Hillier 2008;Healey 2007) have emphasised that this kind of planning is a long-term, iterative and messy process involving argument, persuasion and inspiration, that is likely to have unintended and unpredictable outcomes.…”

“…Yet there is also considerable uncertainty as to what city futures are likely to look like-in terms of population growth, the impact of energy crises, technology changes, amongst others. This necessitates a reflexive and iterative approach to planning-an attempt to look to the future-to 'foresight' in the words of Hillier (2008), but also to recognise that there is likely to be ongoing flux and change, and that outcomes are likely to be different from what is anticipated.…”

The role played by social-ecological resilience as a method of integration in interdisciplinary research

“…It was inspired however, by the more open notion of resilience thinking because approaches in planning theory show parallels to the resilience concept. Aspects such as nonlinearity, uncertainty, self-organization, learning processes, and adaptive capacity were taken into account (Fürst 2008, Hillier 2008). In addition, dealing with unpredictable and nonmanageable developments (Frey et al 2008) played an important role.…”

Neil Smith's Scale

“…He seeks common ground with poststructuralism around how scales are an emergent effect of "material production and capitalist restructuring on the one hand, and social practice and discourse, on the other" (MacKinnon 2010:28). The alternative, avowedly poststructural, strand of thought stresses immanent ontological and political accounts (Ansell 2009;Escobar 2007;Hiller 2008;Isin 2007;McFarlane 2009;Shaw 2010;Woodward et al 2010Woodward et al , 2012. Second, there are those seeking to decenter scale as the overarching spatiality-in this sense, writing back against Neil.…”