Aims

Planning Theory is an international ISI-indexed, peer-reviewed forum for exploring ideas concerned with a broad conception of spatial planning. The Editors welcome intellectually diverse contributions that advance planning theory understanding and debate.

Scope

There exists a broad range of views about what planning theory is and could, or should, be. This reflects an equally diverse range of views about the processes and products of planning as practised in different parts of the world. One of the roles of Planning Theory as a journal is to work through the agreements and tensions between views by publishing quality papers presenting, for instance, strong theoretical arguments, innovative ways of thinking, new ways of applying theory and so on.

At the core of planning is a concern with space and with ethical judgments that may affect immediate as well as trans-generational temporal scales. Sources of planning theories are eclectic and diverse, drawing on disciplines and concerns that range from philosophy, architecture, post-colonial studies and law to the social sciences and design practices. The journal encourages a critical exploration of planning paradigms and ideas that reflect on major planning issues such as social conflict, urbanisation, notions of informality and environmental change. Especially welcome are contributions that clarify or critique current planning theories or introduce disciplinary, cultural, moral or methodological concepts that advance theoretical debates about planning.

Planning Theory publishes:

Peer-reviewed articles

Essays

Book reviews and review essays