Making Planning Work: A Guide to Approaches and Skills

The scale, rate, and even the nature of urban development has changed dramatically in recent times. The manifestations – rapid urbanization and the urbanization of poverty, increased social diversity, industrial restructuring, more environmentally-friendly suburbs – differ globally, but South and North share the opportunities and problems of one planet. The search for sustainable solutions for settlements crosses international boundaries. Professionals and NGOs in different places and cultures are inventing new forms of urban governance and planning. How do they do it? What practical skills are being used? Making Planning Work shows why new urban skills are needed so urgently, and what can be done to grow skills and enhance capacities. The authors demonstrate how successful development and governance of human settlements depends upon collaboration and establishing effective partnerships, and how much can be achieved by working together, sharing skills, being creative, and learning on the job. The book is essential reading for planners, architects, engineers, housing providers, lawyers, politicians, environmentalists, community activists, NGOs, and community organizers - all those engaged in the processes of planning and managing towns, cities, and settlements from the very local to national and international levels.

Patrick Wakely is Professor of Urban Development in London University and former Director of the Development Planning Unit, University College London. An architect by training, he has research, consultancy, and teaching experience in housing and urban development in over 20 developing countries.

Julie Crespin holds Master's degrees in Political Science and Urban Development Planning. She has worked in urban development in London, China, and Africa.

Cliff Hague is a Past President of the Royal Town Planning Institute and President of the Commonwealth Association of Planners. He has been Professor of Planning and Spatial Development at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh and has extensive research and advisory experience throughout Europe.

Chris Jasko is a development consultant. He has an MSc in Urban Development Planning from the DPU, UCL, and work experience in Europe, Asia, Afrian, and North America.