Understanding is what planners do – Towards a hermeneutic perspective on planning practice and research
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Spatial planning is inherently oriented towards the future. However, the future cannot be explained, but can only be anticipated through understanding. Therefore, understanding is identified as the central epistemic orientation in planning practice, which enables planners to anticipate the future in the first place. The article aims to (1) distinguish between explaining and understanding, (2) give an outlook on why the often cited gap between theory and practice can be traced back to these two basic epistemic orientations and (3) develop new concepts that enable understanding processes in planning practice to be studied from a research perspective.
Source: Planning Theory
Author: Lukas Behrend
Institution: University of Vienna
Language: English
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,450
OpenAlex ID: W4401866213