Basic Definitions
Settlement is a place where people live and interact through several activities such as agriculture, trading
or services. Settlement helps us to understand man’s relationship with his environment. In general rural
refers to countryside and urban refers to town and cities
Site is the actual piece of land upon which a settlement is built. Wet point sites settlements have a good
water supply. on the contrary Dry point sites are away from the risk of flooding. Coastal cities are
considered as good trading sites whereas mining town such as Bisbee in Arizona was founded as a copper,
gold, and silver mining town, would be considered as a 'resource site' based settlement.
Functions and land use of a city may change over time. Most of the urban places have major industrial,
manufacturing and tertiary sector oriented functions. Some are important research and development
centers. On the other hand, capital cities have dominant administrative functions and related jobs.
Hierarchy of the settlement is an ordering of settlements according to the size of population, number of
services and sphere of influence.
Must Read:
https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/media/21916/Settlement-Hierarchy-Technical-
Paper/pdf/Settlement_Hierarchy_Technical_Paper_FINAL.pdf?m=1570708359230
Planning
Planning is the process of establishing the goals and objectives of a project and determining the
resources and actions needed to achieve those goals.
It involves creating a detailed project plan that outlines the steps and tasks required to complete the
project, as well as identifying potential risks or challenges and developing strategies to manage them. The
goal of planning is to create a roadmap for the project that ensures its successful completion.
Types of planning:
1. Strategic :- Strategic planning involves setting long-term objectives and determining the best strategies to
achieve them
2. Operational :- Operational planning focuses on the short-term execution of tasks and processes.
3. Tactical :- Tactical planning translates strategic goals into actionable, shorter-term steps.
4. Contingency :- Contingency planning involves creating plans for unexpected events, risks, or crises.
5. Urban Planning :- Urban planning involves managing land use, infrastructure, and development within
cities or regions.
Types of Planning
1. Strategic :- Strategic planning involves setting long-term objectives and
determining the best strategies to achieve them
2. Operational :- Operational planning focuses on the short-term execution of tasks
and processes.
3. Tactical :- Tactical planning translates strategic goals into actionable, shorter-
term steps.
4. Contingency :- Contingency planning involves creating plans for unexpected
events, risks, or crises.
5. Urban Planning :- Urban planning involves managing land use, infrastructure,
and development within cities or regions.
Environmental planning, transportation planning, health planning etc
Approaches to planning
John Ratcliff’s Problem identification
Classification of Collection and Analysis of Data
planning Formulation of Goals and objectives
process
Generation of Alternatives Plans or Proposals
Planning process framework given by
John Ratcliff for urban and regional
Evaluation of the Alternatives
planning
Selection of the preferred plan and Implementation
➢ Structured Approach
➢ Focused on data analysis
➢ Flexibility Evaluation ,monitoring and Feedback
➢ Stakeholders involvement
Rational-Comprehensive Planning
Approach Herbert A. Simon (contributed
significantly to the theory of rational
decision-making with his concept of
The Rational Comprehensive Planning Model "bounded rationality." While he
emerged from the field of urban planning and public criticized the idea of perfect
policy during the mid-20th century .While no single rationality, his work on decision-
individual is credited with the creation of the model, it making processes informed the
is based on the work of several influential theorists development of rational planning
models, particularly in emphasizing
and scholars who advocated for a systematic, rational structured, data-driven approaches.)
approach to decision-making.
It is centred on decisions and principles that are based Other Contributors
Patrick Geddes , Charles Lindblom
on reason, logic and scientific facts with little or no
emphasis on values and emotions.
Rational-
Comprehensive Formulation of Data collection
Development of
Planning goals, objectives and analysis of
Alternatives
Approach and targets data
John Ratcliff's model of
planning and the Rational
Comprehensive Planning
Model share many
similarities in their structure
and approach. Both models
emphasize a systematic, Selection of an
logical, and step-by-step Monitoring Implementation
process in planning and Alternative
decision-making, and they
are grounded in the idea
that decisions should be
based on objective data,
clear goals, and thorough
analysis of alternatives.
John Ratcliff model is more
specific to Urban Planning
feedback
• The Incremental Planning Approach emphasizes a more
Incremental pragmatic, step-by-step process of decision-making and planning,
Planning focusing on small, manageable changes rather than attempting to
Approach solve all issues at once with a comprehensive plan.
introduced by Charles • Instead of attempting to create a grand, all-encompassing plan,
Lindblom in his influential the incremental approach focuses on making small, gradual
adjustments over time. These smaller steps are easier to
paper "The Science of
implement and allow for continuous learning and adaptation.
Muddling Through" (1959).
• incremental planning is more focused on addressing immediate,
short-term issues. This can help make the planning process more
flexible and responsive to changing conditions.
Incremental Planning Approach
• Focus on a specific, immediate issue.
Identify the problem
• Define small, manageable improvements.
Set Short term realistic goal
Gather Data and Perform Limited • Focus only on necessary information.
Analysis
• Develop small-scale, practical solutions.
Generate Alternatives
• Use simple, pragmatic criteria for evaluation.
Evaluate Alternatives
• Choose the most feasible and immediate solution.
Select the best option
Implement the solution • Carry out the plan in a straightforward manner.
• Gather feedback and make necessary refinements.
Monitor and Adjust
Reevaluate and feedback • Continue the process to address further problems
Advocacy
Advocacy planning is a theory of urban
Planning
planning that was formulated in the 1960s
Approach by Paul Davidoff and Linda Stone Davidoff.
Criticism on the approach
It is a pluralistic and inclusive planning
theory where planners seek to represent
• Potential for the interests of various groups within
fragmentation society.
• Complicate decision Davidoff (1965) was an activist lawyer and
making process planner who believed that advocacy
• Resource constraints planning was a necessary method for
• Conflict of groups representing the low-income and minority
groups who were not always on equal
footing with the rich and powerful
Advocacy Planning Approach
Define Issue • Identify the problem
Collection data and Identify the • Identify the various stakeholders, particularly marginalized
stakeholders groups,whose interests need representation
• Engage through discussions, Public meetings
Engage with communities
• Represent community's interest in formal planning forums
Act as an Advocate
• Create Alternative Plans
Develop Alternative plans
• Help mediate conflicts between different interest groups and negotiate
Negotiate and Resolve Conflicts compromises that are fair and just for all parties.
• monitor the process to ensure that the perspectives of the groups you
Monitor the decision making process are advocating for are considered.
• advocacy planners continue to monitor the implementation process to
Implementation and follow up ensure that the needs of the groups they represent are met.
Types of Development Plans
Master Plan
• A Master Plan is a long-term strategic plan that outlines the overall development
and land-use policy for a city or town. It covers all aspects of urban development,
including residential, commercial, industrial zones, transportation, infrastructure,
parks, and environmental conservation.
• To guide the future physical growth of the city over a long period (typically 20–30
years).
• Master Plan is a document and policy guide designed to help communities create
a vision of what they want to look like in the future.
• Master Plans help guide communities in their decisions on land use development
and preservation.
• Many Master Plans are written as one document but they can be and often are
more effective when written as multiple documents.
• Key features of Master Plan
Long term vision
MASTER PLAN
Land Use Planning(Divide areas into zones)
Singapore Master Plan
Infrastructure and utilities
Newyork City Master Plan Transport Planning(outlines road network, public transit system)
Environmental protection(Green spaces)
London Plan UK
Public Services, Government buildings,Housing
Legal framework (use by LGs for zoning, land use)
• Key components of Master Plan
Land Use Map : A detailed map showing how land will be used
and zoned across the area.
Transportation Plan (plans for road networks, public transit)
Public utilities and Infrastructure (Plans for the development of
essential services)
Housing strategies-Guidelines for housing development
Environmental sustainability-Parks, green areas
Social services
Implementation timeframe
URBAN • Urban strategic plan determines the direction of
STRATEGIC PLAN development of a city or urban area, in the context of its
current profile and SWOT analysis.
An Urban Strategic Plan is a long-term, overarching • This approach helps the city to respond to fast-moving
events, to manage change and to improve the quality of
framework designed to guide the development and life.
transformation of a city or urban region. Unlike
• It focuses on setting high-level goals and determining
traditional master plans, which focus more on land use desired areas of growth for a city or metropolitan area.
and zoning, urban strategic plans emphasize economic
• Also called the development plan, core strategy, or
growth, social equity, infrastructure development, comprehensive plan.
and sustainability through a clear, goal-driven
• The strategic plan’s goals may include easing
approach. The strategic plan identifies key priorities transportation throughout the city, creating more
and actions needed to achieve a city’s vision over a community spaces, improving citizens’ quality of life, or
encouraging people to visit or move to the city.
certain period (typically 10–20 years).
• Key Characteristics of an Urban Strategic Plan
URBAN
Long term vision
STRATEGIC PLAN
New York City’s One NYC Plan: A strategic
Goal oriented(Outlining specific objectives)
plan focusing on sustainability, economic
development, social equity, and resilience
against climate change. Holistic approach( Covers economic development, social
services, infrastructure needs…Economic and Financial Planning)
Barcelona Strategic Plan 2020: A long-term
vision to boost innovation, sustainability,
and social inclusion, positioning Barcelona Actionable Strategies
as a global city.
Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: A strategic Focus on sustainability and resilience
plan for balanced urban development
focusing on environmental sustainability,
mobility, and tourism. Implementation and monitoring
URBAN STRATEGIC PLAN- Setting
Targets
• Priority Areas: • Strategic Goals:
• Sustainable Urban Growth: Balancing • Reduce carbon emissions by 30% over
development with environmental sustainability. the next decade.
• Economic Development: Encouraging business • Build 10,000 affordable housing units
innovation and job creation. by 2035.
• Social Equity: Ensuring affordable housing and
• Increase public transportation usage
access to essential services for all.
by 20% within five years.
• Infrastructure and Mobility: Improving
transportation systems, utilities, and public • Promote economic growth by
spaces. developing tech innovation hubs.
• Climate Resilience: Preparing the city for • Invest in climate resilience
climate-related challenges infrastructure, such as flood
protection.
URBAN STRATEGIC PLAN- Setting
Targets
Action Plan:
Launch a city-wide tree-planting initiative to enhance green spaces.
Implement a smart public transport system with electric buses.
Establish a housing trust fund to support affordable housing projects.
Form partnerships with local businesses to create tech innovation hubs.
Financial Strategies: Allocate 10% of the city’s annual budget for infrastructure
upgrades.
Attract private sector investment through public-private partnerships.
Apply for national and international grants for sustainable urban projects.
Neighborhood
PLAN
A Neighborhood Plan is a type of development plan focused
specifically on the growth, improvement, and management of a
small, localized area within a city—typically at the neighborhood or
district level. It is designed to address the unique needs, character,
and issues of that specific area, and often involves significant
community participation.
KEY FEATURES OF Neighborhood PLAN
• concentrates on the needs and characteristics of
Local Focus a specific neighborhood, which could be a
residential district, a business area, or even an
industrial zone.
• High level of community engagement
Community
Involvement
• Address both the physical infrastructure (such as
Physical and social streets, parks, and housing) and the social aspects (such
as safety, education, and community facilities) of a
environment neighborhood.
• provide tailored solutions
Customized
Solutions
COMPONENTS OF Neighborhood PLAN
Land Use and Zoning:
The plan may propose zoning adjustments to control the types of
development allowed in the neighborhood (residential, commercial,
mixed-use).
Housing: Neighborhood plans often address housing needs by
promoting affordable housing, maintaining existing housing stock, or
encouraging new residential development that fits with the character of
the area.
Transportation and Mobility: Plans typically focus on improving local
transportation options, such as better pedestrian pathways, bike lanes,
public transit access, or traffic calming measures to reduce congestion
and improve safety.
COMPONENTS OF Neighborhood PLAN
Parks and Public Spaces: The development and enhancement of public
spaces like parks, playgrounds, and community gardens are often key
components. These spaces are crucial for enhancing the quality of life
and encouraging social interactions within the community.
Community Facilities and Services: Improving or expanding local
services such as schools, libraries, health clinics, and recreation centers
is often included in the plan to enhance the social infrastructure of the
neighborhood.
Economic Development:
•The plan may propose strategies to support local businesses, encourage
job creation, or promote retail development to stimulate the
neighborhood economy.
STEPS IN DEVELOPING Neighborhood PLAN
Identify the
problem Data collection Community
and Analysis engagement
Review and Developing the Vision and goal
refinement plans setting
Approval and Implementation
adoption and Monitoring
COMPONENTS OF Neighborhood PLAN
Parks and Public Spaces: The development and enhancement of public
spaces like parks, playgrounds, and community gardens are often key
components. These spaces are crucial for enhancing the quality of life
and encouraging social interactions within the community.
Community Facilities and Services: Improving or expanding local
services such as schools, libraries, health clinics, and recreation centers
is often included in the plan to enhance the social infrastructure of the
neighborhood.
Economic Development:
•The plan may propose strategies to support local businesses, encourage
job creation, or promote retail development to stimulate the
neighborhood economy.
Examples OF Neighborhood PLAN
East Village Neighborhood Plan (New York City, USA):
•Focus: Revitalization and preservation of the historic
character of the East Village while improving housing,
pedestrian safety, and green spaces.
Initiatives:-
• Affordable housing initiatives to prevent
displacement of low-income residents.
• Preservation of historic buildings and cultural
landmarks.
• Improving pedestrian safety through traffic-calming
measures.
• Development of parks and green spaces for public
recreation.
•Outcome: Successfully balanced modernization and
economic development while preserving the cultural
heritage of the neighborhood.
•https://www.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/east-new-york/east-new-york-1.page
Examples OF Neighborhood PLAN
Southside Neighborhood Plan (Greensboro, North Carolina, USA):
•Focus: Transformation of a formerly distressed neighborhood into
a vibrant, mixed-use area.
• Initiatives:
• Mixed-use development: Combining residential,
commercial, and public spaces to create a walkable, livable
environment.
• Affordable housing: Construction of affordable homes to
attract new residents while ensuring current residents are
not displaced.
• Redevelopment of vacant lots and properties to stimulate
economic growth.
• Improvement of public spaces, including parks and
community centers.
•Outcome: The neighborhood became a model for successful urban
redevelopment, creating new housing and commercial
opportunities while maintaining affordability.
Regional Planning vs Master Planning
Regional Plan Master Plan
Definition Regional Planning deals with the efficient Master planning is a process of designing and shaping
integrated placement of land use activities, cities, towns and villages and addresses the larger scale
infrastructure and settlement growth across a of groups of buildings, of streets and public spaces,
larger area of land than an individual city or whole neighborhoods and districts, and entire cities, to
town. make urban areas functional, attractive and sustainable
Scope A regional plan typically covers a broader A master plan focuses on a specific city, town, or urban
geographical area, which may include multiple area. It provides detailed guidance on land use, zoning,
cities, towns, or rural areas within a region. infrastructure, transportation, housing, and public
services for that particular area.
Purpose Its primary goal is to coordinate development Its goal is to shape the long-term physical development
across the region, balancing urbanization, of the city, ensuring sustainable urban growth and
agriculture, industry, environmental concerns, addressing issues such as housing, transportation, waste
and infrastructure. It addresses regional needs management, and public amenities.
like transportation, water resources, economic
development, and environmental conservation.
Regional Planning vs Master Planning
Regional Plan Master Plan
Focus The focus is on managing and guiding Master plans focus on local issues within a city such as
development across different sectors and zoning regulations, neighborhood development, public
municipalities to ensure balanced growth. It spaces, and infrastructure improvements.
aims at resolving regional issues like migration,
regional inequalities, and land use conflicts.
Implementation A regional plan is implemented by The implementation of a master plan is typically managed
coordinating efforts of various municipalities, by municipal authorities or city planners. It involves
regional authorities, and national detailed zoning regulations, urban design standards, and
governments. This might involve large-scale development controls. Local governments enforce these
infrastructure projects, environmental plans through building permits, zoning laws, and other
conservation policies, and economic strategies regulations.
that cut across individual city boundaries.
Additional Readings
https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/sustainablecities/challenges-implementing-urban-master-plans-what-are-
we-missing?_gl=1*11rvxle*_gcl_au*MTIxMTYyNTA2OS4xNzIxOTkwMTE0
https://unhabitat.org.pk/un-habitat-pakistan-country-report-2023/
Planning
Readings:
https://www.rspn.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BB-Planning-Development-Architecture-in-Pakistan-a-
Strategic-Review.pdf
https://gedkp.gov.bd/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/A-BRIEF-HISTORY-OF-PLANNING-IN-PAKISTAN.pdf
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/766851468758721256/pdf/multi0page.pdf
Past Paper related questions
• Discuss the evolution of urbanization in Pakistan. What major challenges does it pose? Suggest some best
possible options to manage urbanization in Pakistan.
• Write short notes on any TWO of the following using appropriate examples.
• i. Urban Sprawl ii. John Ratcliff’s classification of planning process
• iii. Urban encroachments and their removal.
• What are the salient features of mega cities? Explain the risks and opportunities that mega cities pose in
developing world and how these problems can be handled?
• Discuss various types of plans used in town planning. Discuss master plan in detail.
