Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

What is a Geographic Information System (GIS) and what do we use it for? This question may be hard to define as there are infinite uses for a GIS. A GIS is a system that holds, displays and manages multiple layers of geographical information. A GIS can be used to collect and analyse data in many ways, allowing patterns in the data to emerge and then present it in the form of maps, charts and/or reports.

A GIS is a very useful tool for anyone in the planning profession and can be used to solve problems by reviewing data in a way that is quickly understood and easily shared. A GIS can hold multiple layers of information and is customisable to any entity that has the need to maintain geographical data. No GIS that exists today has reached its full potential as a GIS has the capacity to cater for a one-stop-shop of infinite information.

With technological advancement moving at an increasing rate, Governmental department should realise the potential of GIS and embrace it, offering one central system that can be easily accessed by the public. This system could store and display relevant data from each Government department, creating a sense of unity throughout the Government and an excellent source of information for the whole of society. This would also benefit the public sector as it would alleviate pressure on public relations.  This is good in theory, however this poses many questions. How long would this take to execute...or...is it possible? Would our Government ever take this unified approach?

Metropolitan Plan

A metropolitan area is a region consisting of densely populated cities with numerous jurisdictions that share infrastructure, services and education and employment resources. The cities within these areas are connected by less populated areas, although may not be “urban” in character, they are associated to the cities’ through employment, retail or other related links.

As the population grows, new planning issues begin to rise within these metropolitan areas. The metropolitan regions adds strain to public resources, increases traffic congestion due to urban sprawl, is an inefficient use of land and requires an excessive use of infrastructure. These regions have also seen the formation of employment and retail clusters which are scattered and unorganised which adds to traffic congestion. These clusters are not considered a functioning urban centre and lack connectivity to other areas.  

Some of these issues can be addressed through the implementation of a metropolitan plan, outlining strategies and creating a functional structure for the area.  A metropolitan plan is necessary in establishing a detailed relationship between urban areas. Suburban clusters need to be preserved and supported by an improved transport system or greater pedestrian movement from place to place. A better disbursement of facilities and more a efficient use of land will also provide a variety of uses and/or a sense of individuality in the different urban areas.

Metropolitan plans are an important consideration for these forever developing and expanding cities. The Government needs to recognise these crucial issues and put into place a well-built policy framework that pre-empts the problem areas and create a more sustainable region.

Town Plan

There are a few considerations when planning or developing a town. New towns depend on characteristics of the surrounding region (financial or population growth). Existing towns should utilise (infill) existing land where possible, focusing on places partially developed.

Towns need to provide a sense of connectivity. Public transport must be frequent and predictable, follow a route that is direct and logical and have stops that are safe, dry and dignified. When planning the connectivity of the streets within a neighbourhood the speed of cars can be controlled by limiting the widths of the streets. On less travelled streets (or yield streets) one shared lane is provided with parking on the side which decreases traffic speeds and also the number of accidents. 

Buildings need to include pedestrian friendly architecture and define the pedestrian space.  Attached row houses should be closer than detached houses only allowing room for articulated elements (such as, porches, balconies, etc.).  In this case any habitable room at ground level should be protected by a porch or dense garden.

Retail buildings should not have a setback as this brings the merchandise to the passing pedestrians. 

Taller buildings should be encouraged whether commercial or residential to create a more efficient use of the land.  Most houses should be minimum two storey and shops and offices should be higher than the traditional one storey to encourage mixed use.

The scale of most developments now days usually depend on the amount of parking that can be provided, however, parking requirements are necessary as there may be no alternative present.

Mixed uses, varied housing/building types and reliable public transport are all part of what makes an efficient and ideal town, nevertheless, fixing existing cities could prove a long journey as the planning principles differ from when these cities where first developed.

Master Plan

Can planning do without a master plan? A master plan is a common tool used by the public sector, industry and the broader community and is created as a starting point for planning/maintaining any urban area. The master plan contains objectives and visions, implementing key strategies which address the underlining issues in the area.

A master plan is a key tool that can be used as a source of information. Gathering and analysis of data is crucial when developing a master plan, though this data may not necessarily be a part of the plan itself, it provides an explanation or supporting reference to the concepts of the plan.  

 A master plan can serve as a program for correction, specifying problem areas and functional deficiencies.   The plan must estimate future demographics and the future needs for the cities and be flexible as approximations change. The objectives and values must be developed through discussions with the community to achieve the desired outcome for the city.            

 The master plan is also vital for differing Governmental departments. The plan provides a backbone for each department so that there is a consistency in the development and implementation of planning policy, this may include anything from land use policy to planning legislation.

In conclusion, a master plan is a necessary tool to guide development and create a framework to maintain consistency in planning policy. The plan defines what is important about a place and how its character and quality can be conserved, improved and enhanced.

Pluralism and Multiculturalism

Internationalism and globalisation has greatly contributed to the multicultural diversity of cities today. Pluralism is a common term used within planning circles to describe the presence or tolerance of the diversity within these areas. For pluralism to be widespread there is a strong need to maintain or support the differing cultural groups through planning policy (Multiculturalism).

There are two principles that Multiculturalism needs to achieve. Firstly it needs to allow the right to practice and preserve heritage, collectively and as an individual. Secondly, protect the equality of rights and freedoms under the law for individuals and communities.   

Cultural diversity has affected the rational-technical component of planning. This has created a paradigm shift in the analytical processes in defining a local community and analysing housing conditions.

Planners must now also listen to these target groups or individuals and sensitively develop, interpret and apply legislation accordingly. This should be welcomed as providing diversity and choice within the community benefits the whole of society but also encourages acceptance within the community.

Canadian cities (Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver) are cities that have been built around a multicultural mix, implementing a strong focus on multiculturalism. These cities have proved successful as a result of the revised immigration law (1968) and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These cities have been successful as they have abolished overt discrimination and have increased the level of educated immigrants.  These cities have become quite popular from this acceptance and the range of variety that these cities provide.

 
In this day and age, planners need to consider and embrace the new cultural mix. City centres need to be exciting and exotic to surprise and entice users. Planning policy should not discriminate and should allow all people to maintain their cultural heritage.

“Old” New Urbanism

Can planers learn from the people who use the place? Planners should experience the area that is relevant to their projects. This does not just mean walking the streets, observing the users and familiarising themselves with the places but also listening to the people who visit and reside there. Planners need to find out, from the people, positive elements of the place and use them to their advantage.

Jane Jacobs is a journalist, activist and urban theorist with no planning background except extensive experience in the place she lives (New York). Jane Jacobs has contributed greatly to planning theory and is the perfect example of how society can shape their city. Jane Jacobs has described how downtown can work for its people.

There is a real potential to utilise alleyways in downtown areas. These alleyways should provide a variety of uses which attract a blend of users. The buildings should include old with new and be made up of visually interesting and useful features that invite the sightseer or shopper.

Streets within the downtown area should not just be borders for the buildings but should create a link and entice the pedestrian. Streets that are fairly narrow, short and not congested by cars should be the streets planned for pedestrians use, however, planners should consider not just the street but the area as well.

Most successful downtown areas include focal points where the streets are most active. These focal points must be surprising and delightful so that it has a positive effect on the whole area.

 
The downtown area needs to be packed with variety so that the place is as active at night time as it is during the day (a two-shift city). Though, great thought needs to be undertaken when deciding where the different uses should be and a starting place for these decisions should begin with the community who use it.

New Planning Theory

Contemporary planning theory as defined by Susan Fainstein, ‘what is the possibility of consciously achieving widespread improvement in the quality of human life within the context of a global capitalist political economy?’  In recent times three planning models have been identified to overcome down-falls in planning practices.  The three models include the communicative model, new urbanism, and the just city. 

The communicative model is where the planner takes a mediator’s role, where the planners’ primary function is to listen and inform participants.  The planner is there to mediate proceedings and to make sure that no group dominates until a census is formed.  This type of model does not always get the most desirable outcome as it is a lengthy process which may wear down participants.  There is also the issue that if the final decision is not a workable solution the process collapses as no other alternatives have been considered.

New urbanism takes more of a design orientated approach that resembles that of the early planning theorists, aiming for a close-knit social community.  New urbanists aim to provide a variety of building types and mixed uses, a selection of housing products and a strong focus on the public realm.  Although, in this model, planners may be perceived as creating new areas rather than fixing the established areas.

The just city model takes a normative approach concentrating on the distribution of social benefits.  This includes providing a great welfare for society and generating wealth with the aim to provide a future of middle class society.  These views are good in theory by providing a ‘just city for all’, however, this theory may be setting sights too far into the future.

These three models each have their pros and cons but may be best implemented through a combined planning model.