This week’s topic comes from Eugenie Birch's Practioners and the Art of Planning. Birch explored the changing nature of planning; the literature, the influences, and the education of practioners. Over the last century we have learnt that so much of planning is contextual and a reflection of changing domestic policy. In the beginning the profession was more about art. The increasing adage of law, policy and method brought science into the mix.
The changes in the planning profession as a whole was reflected in the way that planning was taught in universities. There was a shift from the focus on practical work to the addition of social sciences and planning theory. Today this change and the variety of domestic policy are reflected in university degrees. The degree at James Cook University focuses on the natural environment and environmental and natural resource management. The University of Queensland degree has a strong focus on the practical application, just like the early degrees, which were attached to architecture and landscape architecture. At the University of Canberra the degree is heavily influenced by economic theory and the way that economic policy influences our ability to create and implement plans.
In the workplace the opportunities and challenges continue to evolve, just like they did during the evolution of the profession. So the thought for discussion is what will our challenges be? Will it be technology, the environment, or something unthought-of?
I think that one of our greatest challenges will be population growth. Growth, through either births or immigration, will present numerous problems for planners long into the future. There will be challenges in relation to infrastructure implementation, urban density, urban renewal, housing affordability and service provision. But that is the excitement of being in this profession.
Noting your questions at the bottom of the third paragraph, I would have to say that technology will aid town planning.
ReplyDeleteLooking at basic examples of the NBN or fast rail we see these technological changes aid globalisation by decreasing space and time. You'll find that these simple infrastructure projects will, in due course, allow for further population growth, much like the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century; with their revolutionary rail network.
Your second question, reference the environment interplays with my first point. Technology foresighters have already thought of new innovative ways of protecting the earths environment through the use of technology, whether it be reusable energy or geothermal electricity plants. I think the real question is how are these technologies going to be opened up to the marketplace? Government incentives? Capitalist adventures? etc.
I see planning as a science. If you add all the parts up of your problem you will receive an answer. In the case of Australia - Poor/Satisfactory infrastructure, Medium immigration intake, poor government hierarchy between federal, state and council =
Increase technological innovation in infrastructure.
Great post Jesslyn! There's so much I could say but I suppose the first thing that came to mind was how daunting the idea of urban planning in today's world seems. I wonder if planning is viewed by most Australians as being something of critical importance, not just a good idea.
ReplyDeleteThe cool thing is we will have the power to change that!