Abstract
In the field of urban planning education there is often a gap in the literature, reflecting the fact that scholars overlook the histories and influences of minority communities. Alternative Planning History and Theory, edited by Dorina Pojani, who teaches planning history and theory as an Associate Professor in Urban Planning at the University of Queensland, Australia, fills this gap. Dr. Pojani curated a selection of twelve chapters, each presenting a critical viewpoint on planning history and theory from the lens of historically marginalized or neglected groups.
The conventional planning curriculum predominantly reflects the experiences of white Anglo Saxon, Christian, middle-class men. Figures like Ebenezer Howard, Daniel Burnham, and Le Corbusier are often celebrated as the “founders” of modern urban planning. Their visions, while groundbreaking, were shaped by the perspectives of Western, industrialized societies that prioritized large-scale, top-down approaches to planning. Early urban theories often reflect Euro-American ideals, neglecting the urban traditions and planning practices of Indigenous, African, Asian, Latin American, and colonized peoples.
Concepts like “rational planning” and “city beautiful” were rooted in paternalistic views of order and progress, often disregarding the needs, voices, and experiences of marginalized groups—including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, older adults, children, religious minorities, migrants, and people of color and colonized backgrounds. Alternative Planning History and Theory bravely challenges this norm by offering broader narratives that enhance our understanding of planning education. At the same time, the book seeks to complement the existing urban planning canon rather than reject it entirely, recognizing the value of foundational theories while addressing their limitations and gaps.
The theoretical perspective of the book draws from critical planning theory, postcolonialism, and feminist theory, offering a fundamental challenge to the Eurocentric, patriarchal, and exclusionary foundations of traditional urban planning education. The editor positions the book as both modern and postmodern by blending structured, chronological narratives with critical, reflective analyses that challenge dominant paradigms. This duality reflects the book’s intent to engage with traditional methods of organizing knowledge (a hallmark of modernism) while simultaneously deconstructing and questioning the very foundations of urban planning history and theory (a key feature of postmodernism). In addition, while the authors highlight pluralism, diversity, and the subjectivity of experiences, the book rejects the postmodern idea of truths not being knowable.
Although less explicitly, the book aligns with intersectional theory, which emerges as a critical thread, addressing how overlapping forms of discrimination shape urban experiences for communities marginalized by race, class, sexuality, age, and disability. In addition, the book also stresses the role of participation and community involvement in the planning process, by showing how social movements are capable of transforming cities in a way that responds to the desires and needs of the people who have been traditionally left out of the planning process.
Some of the authors identify capitalism directly as the root cause of marginalization for low-income or less privileged individuals in society, while others focus on explaining how to mitigate its negative impacts through policies, actions, or participation. By weaving together these diverse yet interconnected frameworks, Alternative Planning History and Theory not only critiques past injustices but also proposes transformative approaches to planning. It champions spatial justice, advocating for planning practices that redistribute resources and opportunities.
Organized chronologically for comparing the journeys of different groups, each chapter explores key planning issues relevant to these communities while providing insights into their perspectives on planning practices over time. This framework not only sheds light on the obstacles encountered by these communities but also showcases their resilience and positive impact on city planning.
The book opens with an introduction by Dorina Pojani, setting the stage for how broadening the urban planning canon can lead to more equitable and inclusive environments. Pojani emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse voices in planning history and theory, laying the foundation for the chapters that follow, each of which explores the experiences and contributions of marginalized or overlooked communities.
Rooted in feminist planning theory, the text highlights how women have navigated exclusion to reshape urban spaces, advocating for gender-sensitive and inclusive design. Jessica Ellen Sewell’s chapter traces the evolution of women in planning, from being excluded to becoming key advocates and practitioners in claiming their right to the city. Sewell not only charts women’s increasing influence in formal planning processes but also underscores the significance of domestic labor, caregiving, and feminist activism in shaping more inclusive societies and urban environments.
Ella Howard’s chapter centers on the poor and unhoused, communities historically framed as challenges or obstacles within urban planning. She argues that planners must shift this perception and recognize these populations as deserving of thoughtful design and meaningful planning interventions. Howard emphasizes the importance of addressing the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality while highlighting innovative, community-driven solutions such as Community Land Trusts that can lead to more inclusive cities.
Similarly, Tiffany Muller Myrdahl, in the chapter on sexuality and the city, explores LGBTQ+ experiences, examining the creation of queer spaces and the ongoing struggle for visibility, safety, inclusion, and recognition. The chapter expands on the notion of universal urban services by advocating for planning approaches that treat LGBTQ+ populations not as niche communities but as universal users of city services. This includes integrating inclusive design into public spaces, ensuring equitable access to bathrooms, queer-only spaces, and healthcare. In addition, this community advocates for the reduction of over-policing, promotion of housing stability, and fostering policies that combat discrimination.
Addressing the overlooked needs of individuals with disabilities, Louise C. Johnson, Richard Tucker, and Valerie Watchorn underscore the importance of accessible design in creating inclusive urban spaces. Through a case study, authors demonstrate how thoughtful planning can ensure accessibility not only for those who have a disability but for all residents. John Lewis expands on the theme of making cities more accessible by focusing on older adults who often experience mobility issues as well as increasing disabilities over time.
Sukanya Krishnamurthy, Jenny Wood, Teresa Strachan, and Sean Peacock highlight the necessity of designing environments that nurture children’s development, providing examples of child-friendly urban initiatives. These authors advocate for the active participation of children in urban planning and design processes—emphasizing their role as competent social actors and citizens. The chapter argues that children possess unique perspectives and insights that can meaningfully contribute to shaping urban environments.
Meanwhile, Kevin M. Dunn, Rhonda Itaoui, and Samantha Ngui, concentrating on islamophobia, examine the discrimination faced by religious minorities and propose strategies to embrace multiculturalism. This chapter emphasizes how planners can promote inclusivity by designing processes that are mindful of religious diversity. This can involve incorporating spaces for religious and cultural festivals, as well as enhancing the visibility of various communities within the urban environment—such as through diverse architectural styles and the integration of cultural symbols into building facades.
Melissa Heil, Lou Turner, and David Wilson address the experiences of people of color, analyzing how racism and spatial disparities shape urban life. The chapter offers insights into planning approaches that confront white supremacy and advance justice, while also challenging conventional planning practices. It critiques the reliance on “spatial fixes”—solutions that address social or economic issues primarily through changes to the physical environment—and highlights the need for more transformative approaches. Álvaro Huerta, Enrique M. Buelna, and Gabriel Buelna explore the impact of migrants on urban development, illustrating how migrant communities enrich and transform cities. These authors call for planning processes that recognize and celebrate the contributions of migrants, enhancing the social and cultural fabric of urban areas.
In the chapter on indigenous peoples, Meg Parsons explores the planning rights and injustices experienced by the Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. Parsons highlights how colonial planning practices have historically marginalized Māori communities, often disregarding their land rights, cultural values, and traditional knowledge. She also examines efforts to restore Māori agency in urban and environmental planning, advocating for Indigenous-led approaches that honor Māori sovereignty and promote equitable, place-based development.
A postcolonial approach further interrogates how colonial legacies have shaped urban landscapes, calling for the decolonization of planning curricula to better reflect the experiences and knowledge systems of formerly colonized regions. Reflecting on the impact of colonialism on the informal Indian city, Sangeeta Banerji and D. Asher Ghertner critically examine colonial planning practices. The authors emphasize bottom-up planning in their critical examination of colonial planning practices and the lasting impact of these practices on informal cities in India. By reflecting on the ways colonialism shaped urban development, they highlight how top-down, exclusionary approaches often disregarded local knowledge and marginalized communities.
Garth Myers and Francis Owusu explore the enduring impacts of colonialism on urban planning and development in Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting several critical issues that continue to shape cities and communities in the region. One significant issue they address is the legacy of spatial segregation and exclusion. Colonial urban planning often divided cities along racial and class lines, creating patterns of inequality that persist today. These divisions have contributed to uneven access to infrastructure, housing, and public services, reinforcing socio-economic disparities. Myers and Owusu call for a decolonization of urban planning practices, advocating for approaches that center local knowledge, prioritize community participation, and address the structural inequalities inherited from the colonial period.
Chapters incorporate supplementary resources, such as a highlighted case study featuring instances of positive transformations in cities, a timeline illustrating key events in group planning history, and recommendations for additional exploration using nonacademic sources like books, websites, and films. These components make Alternative Planning History and Theory not only an educational read but also a practical tool for students, educators, and practitioners—including advocates and community leaders.
By weaving in perspectives from historically overlooked groups—such as women, LGBTQ+ communities, people of color, Indigenous populations, and those from colonized or postcolonial societies—the book expands the urban planning canon, filling in the blind spots without dismantling the foundational framework entirely. This approach underscores the importance of pluralism and inclusivity, suggesting that a more complete understanding of planning history can only emerge when multiple viewpoints coexist and interact. Rather than completely discarding the modernist ideals of progress and innovation, the book reorients them through a more critical and equitable lens. It encourages readers to question the assumptions underlying traditional planning practices, while also appreciating the insights and methodologies that continue to drive the field forward. In this way, this volume serves as a bridge—building on the strengths of the canon while reshaping it to better reflect the diverse, complex realities of urban life.
All books have their shortcomings. One potential criticism is that, although each chapter provides insights, the similar chronological structure and format across chapters might seem repetitive to readers. Moreover, due to the range of topics covered, the publication sometimes sacrifices depth for breadth, leaving some issues insufficiently explored. Additionally, while including popular sources like films and websites is a strength, some readers may perceive these as less rigorous compared to scholarly references. In summary Alternative Planning History and Theory broadens the scope of planning history and theory by amplifying marginalized voices and challenging conventional narratives. This book serves as a vital resource for anyone committed to fostering more inclusive, equitable, and representative urban environments.