Kan Chen

Interdisciplinary Planning Kan Chen 1st edition

Marc Notes: Originally published in 1986 by the Center for Urban Policy Research.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 199-208) and index. Publisher Marketing: Critiques of traditional urban planning are numerous. The debate about direction within the profession and why urban planning seems to be in a state of despair continues. However, and as Milan J. Dluhy and Kan Chen note, the more critical issue is the future direction of planning, particularly interdisciplinary planning. In this regard, they note five principal areas of concern: planning is action research, planning is knowledge driven, planning is both process and technologically oriented, planning is interdisciplinary, and planning is adaptive to emerging concerns. Reviewing the literature and empirical studies on roles and attitudes, the editors note that planners seem committed to symbols and expressions of advocacy as well as traditional planning doctrine. This emphasizes rational planning and neutral policy roles for practitioners. Without a guiding theory to give a unified approach to practice, planners remain free to select the role most compatible with their personal background and training. This volume asserts that diversity need not be a drawback as long as careful analysis and open planning processes are used. This title will be an invaluable resource. Part I illustrates the critical dilemmas in planning, Part II focuses on planning skills and orientations, the third part focuses sharply on planning roles, while the final section answers a fundamental question: can interdisciplinary planning offer a more useful perspective than others on how to achieve more successful planning outcomes?

Contributor Bio:  Dluhy, Milan J Milan J. Dluhy is professor and chair in the department of political science/public administration at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. His books include Solving Problems in Urban Areas Characterized by Fragmentation and Divisiveness, Building Coalitions in the Human Services, and New Strategic Perspectives on Social Policy. Contributor Bio:  Chen, Kan Kan Chen is professor emeritus of electrical engineering and computer science, College of Engineering at the University of Michigan and research scientist emeritus, University of Michigan Transport Research Institute, College of Engineering. His books include Advanced Traveler Information Systemsand Microcomputers: A Technology Forecast and Assessment to the Year 2000.