Spatial Planning in Kenya and the Appreciative Approach of Societal Values and Norms
Spatial Planning in Kenya and the Appreciative Approach of Societal Values and Norms
Said Athman
Nairobi, Kenya
February 2013
CONTENT
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Introduction Page 3
Values, Norms, Culture and Social Structure Page 3
Planning in the Context of Norms and Values Page 5
Conclusion Page 7
References Page 8
Introduction
Friedmann in 2005 noted that urban and regional planning and development are to be understood and practiced differently depending on their institutional settings and cultural roots that vary significantly across countries and regions (Friedmann 2005, 29; CEC 1997). This statement remains true to date even in the face rapid globalization. Therefore there cannot be expected in any spatial planning processes to have two identical plans that is a result of different geographical and socio-cultural settings. Even if, in the rarest situation, this were to happen, this will be more in the exception.
It therefore begs the reverse question, as to what happens when values and norms are ignored in spatial planning. Could it be true that when planning is done, there is a complete absence of considerations of norms and value of a people, or could it be the omission by the planners to consciously and visibly highlight this criteria that in fact ensures that the norms and values of the planners themselves or the dominant community they belong to permeate and influence the planning process and product? Leonie Sandercock, in her paper, When Strangers Become Neighbours: Managing Cities of Difference makes an impressive review of this subject (Sandercock, 2000). One reason for the greater awareness of cultural contexts for urban and regional planning can be found in the ‘cultural turn’ in the 1990s which marked a watershed in recognising the significance of culture (and also space) compared to the discussions in the 1970s and 1980s when culture specific contexts and settings
Said Athman
Nairobi, Kenya
February 2013
CONTENT
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Introduction Page 3
Values, Norms, Culture and Social Structure Page 3
Planning in the Context of Norms and Values Page 5
Conclusion Page 7
References Page 8
Introduction
Friedmann in 2005 noted that urban and regional planning and development are to be understood and practiced differently depending on their institutional settings and cultural roots that vary significantly across countries and regions (Friedmann 2005, 29; CEC 1997). This statement remains true to date even in the face rapid globalization. Therefore there cannot be expected in any spatial planning processes to have two identical plans that is a result of different geographical and socio-cultural settings. Even if, in the rarest situation, this were to happen, this will be more in the exception.
It therefore begs the reverse question, as to what happens when values and norms are ignored in spatial planning. Could it be true that when planning is done, there is a complete absence of considerations of norms and value of a people, or could it be the omission by the planners to consciously and visibly highlight this criteria that in fact ensures that the norms and values of the planners themselves or the dominant community they belong to permeate and influence the planning process and product? Leonie Sandercock, in her paper, When Strangers Become Neighbours: Managing Cities of Difference makes an impressive review of this subject (Sandercock, 2000). One reason for the greater awareness of cultural contexts for urban and regional planning can be found in the ‘cultural turn’ in the 1990s which marked a watershed in recognising the significance of culture (and also space) compared to the discussions in the 1970s and 1980s when culture specific contexts and settings
References: Buriyadi, M (2000): Urban Planning as a Multicultural Canon; Urban Planning in a Multicultural society; Praeger Cullingworth, B. and Nadin, V. (2006). Town and Country Planning in the UK. Fourteenth edition. Routledge, London. Debertin,D.L (2007); A Comparison of Social Capital in Rural and Urban Settings, Mazillim; Lexington Sayrs, B (2009) The Purpose of Urban and Regional Planning in Planning the Future; Rochman Press, Washington Qadeer, M.A (2009) What Is This Thing Called Multicultural Planning? ; Plan Canada Toronto Uphoff,N (1997) Understanding social capital: learning from the analysis and experience of participation; Cornell University; New York www.acrosscultfoures.in (accessed December 2012) www.freeonlinedictionary.com (accessed December 2012) www.planningspokane.blogspot.com (accessed December 2012)