Planning Theory Since 1945

Has there been a paradigm shift in planning since 1945?  A paradigm shift means a change in fundamental views and theories that hold a strong standing in society.  Planning has been evolving and developing from the Second World War.  Prior to 1960 town planning greatly relied on architecture (physical concepts) to develop cities.  Planners usually had well developed skills in planning the physical design and aesthetics of a city, however, this idea radically changed in the 1960’s bringing about the modernist movement.  This cannot be described as a paradigm shift as the physical design and aesthetics of a city are still considered as important concepts even in this day and age.

The 1960’s brought about a more communicative approach to planning.  The planner was to become a mediator between the participants in the planning process.  This brought about a shift of a planner being a technical expert to a planner being a manager and communicator.  This could not be considered a paradigm shift as the planner did not dismiss the traditional planning concepts.

In the 1980’s a post-modernist view began to emerge which threw away the plain geometrical style of buildings and concentrated on variety, choice and architectural styles.  Does this mean that architecture and planning should be separate?  Architecture is a useful tool for planning, however, if the planner concentrates on one field, will this still achieve an impartial decision?

In conclusion there does not seem to be a change radical enough to be defined as a paradigm shift and I believe there never will be.  Planning just seems to be evolving and developing to meet the changing needs of society and shift in Government expectations.