Maintaining a critical yet constructive scholarly attitude
There are a multitude of ideas on the problems we face and solutions we need to solve them. These ideas often conflict and they compete for scarce policy attention, funds and energy.
By definition, each will have blind spots and unintended consequences that often materialize only after they are implemented in society — sometimes with disastrous and irreversible effects.
To be able to recognize these dynamics, to act within their intrinsic uncertainties and to actively steer them, you need the skills to think critically and constructively. Those skills not only help us to avoid costly mistakes, but also to think outside of the box and work towards transformative change!
Federico Savini
“In my view, pure pragmatism can be counterproductive under these conditions. If pragmatism means to do what is generally agreed upon (by current powers and ideologies), then it might simply amount to business as usual. If pragmatism means doing what is required to reach desired outcomes… then planning still needs to face the problem of legitimacy.”
Savini, F. (2024). Degrowth, legitimacy, and the foundational economy: A response to Rydin. Planning Theory, 0(0).
David Evers
Spatial planning encompasses both process and substance, both means and ends, and both grand visions and mundane land-use permitting processes.
Evers, D. (2024). Exploring the implications of ‘no net land take’ policy for spatial planning: the case of the Netherlands. Town Planning Review, 1-22.
Marco te Brömmelstroet
The way we talk and think about our roads is a choice. Our choice. So, what if we start to challenge the choices that underlie it! What if we stopped talking about road safety and instead rename our field by referring to the actual problem we are trying to solve: Road Danger.
te Brömmelstroet, M. (2024). Increase road safety or reduce road danger: Challenging the mainstream road safety discourse. Traffic Safety Research, 5, e000043-e000043.
urban planning vision
The world between crisis and hope
Engaging with concrete issues that invite theory
Reading institutional contexts
Maintaining a critical yet constructive scholarly attitude