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Planning as Urban Therapeutic

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Gunder

    (School of Architecture and Planning, National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand)

  • Jean Hillier

    (School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Newcastle University, Claremont Tower, Newcastle upon Tyne NET 7RU, England)

Abstract

In this paper we seek to present a challenge to the normative prescriptive role of strategic urban planning practice. In effect, we challenge what has traditionally been regarded as the essence of strategic or ‘forward’ planning: the plan as a statement of what the city ought to become. Using Lacanian-inspired analysis we seek to understand how urban issues may be identified as metaphorical deficiencies or illnesses, to which planners apply a therapeutic salve in the form of strategic policies. Turning to the psychological utopianism of Ernst Bloch, a Freudian-inspired predecessor of Lacan, we suggest a way forward in Bloch's immanent transcendent conceptualisation of hope. We suggest replacement of the transcendent term ‘utopian’ by ‘utopic’, as a practice which is critical, inclusive, and dynamic; performative rather than normative.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Gunder & Jean Hillier, 2007. "Planning as Urban Therapeutic," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 39(2), pages 467-486, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:39:y:2007:i:2:p:467-486
    DOI: 10.1068/a38236
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dod Forrest, 2000. "Theorising Empowerment Thought: Illuminating the Relationship between Ideology and Politics in the Contemporary Era," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 4(4), pages 43-57, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pérez-Sindín, Xaquín S. & Van Assche, Kristof, 2021. "“Coal [from Colombia] is our life”. Bourdieu, the miners (after they are miners) and resistance in As Pontes," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    2. Van Assche, Kristof & Gruezmacher, Monica & Granzow, Michael, 2021. "From trauma to fantasy and policy. The past in the futures of mining communities; the case of Crowsnest Pass, Alberta," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    3. Bjørn Sletto & Oscar Omar Diaz, 2015. "Inventing space in the cañada: Tracing children's agency in Los Platanitos, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 47(8), pages 1680-1696, August.
    4. Raksha Vasudevan & Bjørn Sletto, 2020. "“They Sold Us Illusions”: Informality, Redevelopment, and the Politics of Limpieza in the Dominican Republic," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 5(3), pages 252-262.

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