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Unlearning the Colonial Cultures of Planning: A Path to Transformative and Equitable Cities

Lawrence Bell

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In an era marked by growing urbanization and global interconnectedness, the need for sustainable and equitable cities has become more pressing than ever. However, traditional planning practices often perpetuate colonial legacies that reinforce inequality and marginalization.

Unlearning the Colonial Cultures of Planning

by Libby Porter

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10475 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	193 pages

The groundbreaking book, Unlearning the Colonial Cultures of Planning, challenges these entrenched paradigms, offering a transformative approach to urban planning. Through a comprehensive examination of historical and contemporary practices, the authors, Dr. Kavita Pandit and Dr. Roberto Rocco, present a compelling case for decolonizing urban planning and embracing inclusive, participatory, and sustainable solutions.

Key Concepts and Principles

Unlearning the Colonial Cultures of Planning explores several key concepts that form the foundation of the book's transformative approach:

Colonialism and Its Impact on Urban Planning: The book traces the historical roots of colonial urban planning practices, highlighting how they have shaped cities worldwide and contributed to systemic inequalities.
Decolonization and Urban Planning: It presents a comprehensive framework for decolonizing urban planning, emphasizing the need to dismantle colonial power structures, challenge dominant narratives, and promote inclusive decision-making processes.
Participatory Planning and Community Engagement: The authors advocate for participatory planning approaches that actively involve marginalized communities in shaping their urban environments, recognizing their knowledge, experiences, and aspirations.
Equity and Sustainability: Unlearning the Colonial Cultures of Planning underscores the inextricable link between equity and sustainability, promoting planning practices that address social justice issues while ensuring environmental protection.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

The book showcases a diverse range of case studies from around the world that demonstrate the transformative potential of decolonizing urban planning:

São Paulo, Brazil: The chapter on "Urban Mega-Projects and the Right to the City" explores the controversial redevelopment of São Paulo's historic downtown, highlighting the need for participatory planning processes and the protection of marginalized communities.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: The case study on "Informal Settlements and the Right to Housing" examines the challenges and opportunities of addressing informal settlements in Dar es Salaam, emphasizing the importance of community-led housing solutions.
Vancouver, Canada: The chapter on "Indigenous Planning and the Right to Self-Determination" presents the groundbreaking work of the Musqueam First Nation in Vancouver, showcasing the power of indigenous knowledge and self-determination in urban planning.

Thought-Provoking Insights and Implications

Unlearning the Colonial Cultures of Planning offers thought-provoking insights and implications for professionals and policymakers:

Rethinking Planning Education: The book calls for a fundamental rethinking of planning education, urging educators to incorporate decolonial perspectives, participatory approaches, and a focus on equity.
Empowering Marginalized Voices: It emphasizes the crucial role of empowering marginalized voices in urban planning processes, ensuring that their needs, aspirations, and perspectives shape decision-making.
Creating Inclusive Cities: The authors envision a future of inclusive cities where all residents have access to safe, affordable housing, quality public spaces, and opportunities for self-determination.

Unlearning the Colonial Cultures of Planning is an indispensable guide for urban planners, policymakers, and anyone interested in creating more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive cities. It provides a comprehensive framework for challenging colonial legacies, embracing decolonial approaches, and fostering participatory planning processes.

By unlearning the colonial cultures of planning, we can unlock the transformative potential of urban planning and build cities that truly serve the needs of all.

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Dr. Kavita Pandit

Dr. Kavita Pandit is an urban planner and educator with extensive experience in participatory planning, community development, and social justice. She is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Roberto Rocco

Dr. Roberto Rocco is an urban planner and researcher with a focus on decolonial approaches, participatory planning, and urban informality. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo.

Unlearning the Colonial Cultures of Planning

by Libby Porter

5 out of 5