Framework Thinking: Lessons in Community Planning and Design

Framework Thinking distills key lessons in creating extraordinary design outcomes. It shares how the clarity, power, and enduring presence of an inspired vision can be increased through holistic thinking, inclusive collaboration, and intentional process – in short, a framework thinking mindset.

Reflecting on decades of planning and design experience, and recent projects together, Bill Johnson and Har Ye Kan address the search for more complete, meaningful solutions. As an attitude, Framework Thinking features a ‘context-centered’ frame of mind, where every turn of the process, from start to finish, points to the larger picture of people and place.

While seeking short-term, achievable, design outcomes, Framework Thinking also embraces the long-term visionary guidance in the early discovery stages. Finding this ‘big idea’ in the structure of the place is often the difference maker in shaping communities of distinction.

In short, Framework Thinking is an encouragement to see more, to expect more, and to offer a way forward to the stewardship of our common good by making the little choices for digging deeper and thinking bigger.

William J. Johnson, FASLA, is a landscape architect, community planner, designer, teacher, and academic leader. A cofounder of Johnson, Johnson and Roy (JJR) and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Michigan, Bill’s contributions over his 60-year career have focused on contextual fitness, harmony, and community involvement in local and international settings.

Har Ye Kan, AICP, is a community planning/design consultant. She received her Doctorate in Design from the Harvard GSD and practices in West Michigan. Har Ye has co-authored two books and various articles on housing and community design.

Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, FAAR, founder, president, and CEO of The Cultural Landscape Foundation, is the editor of Experiencing Olmsted, a survey of parks and public spaces.