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The legacy of positivism and the emergence of interpretive tradition in spatial planning

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Simin Davoudi

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Abstract

This paper draws on positivist and interpretive conceptualisation of space, place and time to present a framework for exploring how spatiality and temporality is articulated and represented in spatial planning. It focuses on five aspects of planning: conception of spatiality, spatial and scalar structuring, treatment of time and future, use of evidence in plan making, and representation and visualisation. How the two traditions have influenced planning, particularly in the UK, is discussed and illustrated by historical and contemporary examples. The paper concludes that while an interpretive approach is emerging in some areas of planning, positivism has retained its dominating influence.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Davoudi S

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Regional Studies

Year: 2012

Volume: 46

Issue: 4

Pages: 429-441

Print publication date: 08/11/2011

Date deposited: 09/09/2011

ISSN (print): 0034-3404

ISSN (electronic): 1360-0591

Publisher: Routledge

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2011.618120

DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2011.618120

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