An example of the application of the analytical framework: the development of ‘communicative’ approaches in planning
As an example of the changing mental models and organizational forms, and how this impinges on the roles of the major agents in urban development, this section briefly review the evolution of approaches to urban planning, drawing mainly on the United Kingdom (UK) experience, although with global relevance.
An example of the influence of this book’s theme is the evolution of planning, which developed three broad paradigms during the 20th century. The first of these paradigms was that based on a ‘command and control’ approach that relied on the production of ‘blueprints’, or ‘master plans’ for development activities. This approach was design-based and relied on the application of an instrumental rationality by experts and officials working for what was perceived as a unitary interest. Land use zoning was one of the instruments developed though this approach, which is still well established in Europe and America, and urban form one of its main concerns.