THE FUNDAMENTALS OF

URBAN AND REGIONAL

PLANNING
A SHORT LECTURE ON
THEORIES and PRACTICE
1.0 Understanding Urban Growth and Urban Dynamics

1.1 Important Definitions

1. Urban Area (United Nations) - population size and / or population

density, standard of living, ubiquity of built-up areas, complex social and
economic organizations.

2. Urban Area (Philippines) – cities and municipalities with a population

density of at least 1000 persons/ square km., six(6) establishments, at
least three (3) community structures( town hall, market place and other
public buildings) ( per NSO) or as contained in the UDHA, refers to all
cities regardless of their population density and to municipalities with a
population density of at least 500 persons/square km.

3. Urban Area, Barangay Level (NCSB Resolution No.9, 2003) - population

of 5000+, at least one establishment with a minimum of 100 employees,
5+ establishments with a minimum of 100 employees, 5+ facilities within
a 2 km radius from the barangay hall.
 1.1 Important Definitions

4. Urban Growth*- relative/absolute increase in the number of people

who live in towns and cities. The pace of urban population growth
depends on the natural increase of the urban population and the
population gained by urban areas through in-migration and
reclassification of towns and cities.

5. Urban Agglomeration* - the population of a densely-populated area

containing the city proper, suburbs, and continuously-settled commuter
areas or adjoining territory inhabited at urban levels.

6. Metropolitan Area/ Region* - a formal government unit or if not, an

officially - defined area comprising the major urban area and its primary
commuting areas with at least a population of 100,000 people.

* Definitions are from UN, Unicef, WHO and other sources

 1.1 Important Definitions

7. Mega City* – an urban agglomeration with a population of 10 million

people or more.

8. Mega Region* – a rapidly growing cluster surrounded by low-density

hinterland formed as a result of expansion, growth and geographical
conversion of more than one metropolitan area.

9. Mega Urban Region (Laquian) - A cluster of highly-urbanized areas

following an urban corridor spatial pattern (Tokyo); or mega-city
dominated region (Metro Manila and Metro Bangkok); or sub-national
mega-urban region ( Mega Manila Region) where issues are focused on
urban sprawl, pollution, inner city decline, and appropriate governance
mechanisms.

* Definitions are from UN, Unicef, WHO and other sources

 1.1 Important Definitions

10. Urbanization* - a process whereby large numbers of people become

permanently concentrated in relatively small areas and work in non-
agricultural, heterogeneous activities.
a) This concentration is a result of demographic consequences
(natural increase), population movement (migration), and
distribution (density).
b) The rate of urbanization of a country is the proportion of urban
population over time, calculated as the rate of increase or
decrease in the proportion of urban population to the total
population of a given country or region.

* Definitions are from UN, Unicef, WHO and other sources

 c) The rate of urban growth is the percentage increase or decrease
in the urban population in a given period.d) The level of
urbanization can be seen in two ways:

i) the proportion of total population residing in urban areas of a

country; or

ii) urban populations having access to livelihood opportunities,

markets, communication facilities, transportation options, water
systems and sanitary facilities, education, and health services.

The World Health Organization (WHO) calls this measure “urbanicity.”

Comparative studies of levels of urbanization have led to the conclusion that the
higher the level of urbanization, the lower the level of absolute poverty
(HABITAT).

* Definitions are from UN, Unicef, WHO and other sources

 1.1 Important Definitions

11. Globalization*– the spread and concentration of production,

communication and technologies across the world. It involves the
rise of multi-national corporations (MNCs), technological
innovation, decline of power of national governments, and
diminution of face-to-face contact.

* Definitions are from UN, Unicef, WHO and other sources

Table 1. POPULATION OF URBAN AND RURAL
AREAS PER ECONOMIC REGION (in %)*

REGION URBAN(%) RURAL(%)

More
77.7 22.3
Developed
Less
46.5 53.5
Developed*
World 52.1 47.9

*Data from United Nations, Dept. of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, 2011
Table 2. POPULATION OF URBAN AND RURAL
AREAS SELECTED COUNTRIES IN ASIA (in %)*

COUNTRY URBAN(%) RURAL(%)

China 50.6 49.4
Japan 91.3 8.7
South Korea 83.2 16.8
Hong Kong 100
Taiwan 79.0 21.0

*Data from United Nations, Dept. of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, 2011
Table 3. POPULATION OF URBAN AND RURAL
AREAS, SOUTHEAST ASIA (in %)*

COUNTRY URBAN(%) RURAL(%)

Brunei 76.0 24.0
Cambodia 20.0 80.0
Laos 34.3 65.7
Indonesia 50.7 49.3
Malaysia 72.9 27.2
Philippines 48.8 51.2
Thailand 34.1 65.9
Vietnam 31.0 69.0

*Data from United Nations, Dept. of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, 2011
Table 3. RATE OF URBANIZATION OF SOUTHEAST
ASIAN COUNTRIES FROM 2010-2015 (Estimate)*
RATE OF
COUNTRY
URBANIZATION
Brunei 2.2
Cambodia 3.2
Laos 1.7
Indonesia 4.9
Malaysia 2.4
Philippines 2.3
Thailand 1.8
Vietnam 3.0

*Data from United Nations, Dept. of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, 2011
1.0 Understanding Urban Growth and Urban Dynamics

1.2 Some Theories of Urban Growth and Land Use Change:

LOCATION THEORIES
1) Agricultural Land Use Model: von Thunen (1826) - Rural areas
organize agricultural production in support of an urban center where
distance from the center determines the use of the land in concentric
form (i.e., CBD at the center, followed by intensive agriculture, forest
resources, grain farming, and livestock farming).

2) Location of a Firm: A. Weber (1929) – A firm locates where transport

and labor costs are at a minimum determined by distance, cost of
labor, agglomeration or deglomeration.

3) Central Place Theory: W. Christaller (1933) - Range of good and

threshold population are the major influences in explaining the number,
size and distribution pattern of service establishments. The study led to
other applications in determining a hierarchy of settlements based on
central places.
1.2 Some Theories of Urban Growth: DEMOGRAPHIC THEORIES

1) Model of Migration in Developing Countries: M. Todaro (1980) -

Migration from rural areas to cities is based on a personal rational
decision and the perception that urban wages are higher than
rural wages and that costs and benefits are calculated from an
economic and psychological point of view.

2) Demographic Transition Model: T. Dyson (2009) - Demographic

transition fuels urbanization and consequently leads to a more
democratic form of government, less gender differentiation, division
of labor (specialization), and wider distribution of power.
1.2 Some Theories of Urban Growth: MODERNIZATION THEORY

Background:( M. Weber et al from 1900-1980) - Countries develop

mainly through economic processes brought about by mechanization
and industrialization resulting in positive social and structural
changes.

Stages of Economic Growth Model: W. Rostow(1960) - Countries in

capitalist societies move linearly through several stages starting with
‘traditional society’ to ‘ pre-conditions for take of’ to ‘take off’ to ‘drive
to maturity’ and finally to ‘age of high mass consumption.’
1.2 Some Theories of Urban Growth: WORLD ECONOMIC SYSTEM
THEORY

I. Wallerstein(1974) - The capitalist world economic system divides the

world into Core and Peripheral regions:

Core Regions – Those that develop because of strong government,

a working bureaucracy, vast capital resources, military might and
access to well-developed technology.

Peripheral Regions - Those that were subjugated / colonized and

became sources of raw material and cheap labor. These regions
often continue on with their peripheral status leading to current
understandings of development and underdevelopment.
1.2 Some Theories of Urban Growth: URBAN ECOLOGY THEORY

Ecological Theory of Urban Growth: Zimmerer - Urbanization causes

land use change and because the urban environment combines
built structures and natural habitats such as wetlands, water bodies
and forestlands, a better analysis of urban dynamics is necessary for
long-term sustainability.

Two understandings are needed:

1) The scientific view which refers to studies of existence

and distribution of all organisms within and around the
urban space.

2) The planning view which refers to designing an optimum

environmental habitat for people and reducing negative
externalities.
1.2 Some Theories of Urban Growth: URBAN ECOLOGY THEORY

Urban Ecological System Theory: S.T.A. Pickett et al (2001) - The

urban ecological system is a dynamic, connected and open system
which requires a multi-disciplinary approach to understand it. This
understanding brings together historical processes, interactions
between organisms, the social and economic organizations that
emerge, and the technological innovations that impinge negatively or
positively on the political and social institutions that may help manage
these changes.
1.0 Understanding Urban Growth and Urban Dynamics

1.3 Benefits, Issues & Dysfunctions Related To Urban Growth

1) Benefits: a) Intellectual and Technological Stimuli

b) Diverse Economic Opportunities
c) Social Transformation

2) Issues and Dysfunctions:

a) Human Health: Land, Water and Air Pollution
b) Land Use: Supply of and Demand for Land
c) Circulation: Movement of People and Goods
d) Economic: Poverty, Unemployment / Underemployment
/ Informal Employment
e) Human Rights: Housing, Social Services, Social Justice
f) Urban Management: Governance, Participation in Decision-
Making, Technological Support
 2.0 Problem Solving: The Role Of Planners

2.1 What is Planning?

A comprehensive, integrated approach bringing together economic,

cultural, environmental, and social aspects for environmental
sustainability and a better quality of life.

A course of action meant to manage change.

An attempt to link scientific and technological knowledge to the process

of social transformation (J. Friedmann).

To be effective, those who are involved in planning should have

professional expertise (technical training) and instrument rationality
(knowledge and skills in procedures and analytical tools and methods).
 2.0 Problem Solving: The Role Of Planners

2.2 Planning as Social Reform

Roots of modern planning are embedded in ideas that regard it as an

alternative to politics.

Tugwell believed that “planning is a directive force that would be used

in the interest of the people.”

After him, Perloff already introduced the idea that planning involves
participatory processes and the use of newer methods of dialogue.

In a much earlier time, American leaders wanted to promote industrial

efficiency and public welfare.
- For example, USA Pres Franklin Roosevelt set up a National
Planning Board whose task it was to set up national planning policy
but left the implementation of that to state and local governments
(part of the New Deal).
2.2 Planning as Social Reform

Today, there is general agreement that for planning to succeed, planners

must have a political sensibility to influence decision-making and
facilitate social transformation (or the ability to understand issues and
problems on their own, and understand that cooperation, shared vision
and corresponding actions are necessary for the long-term).

In the Philippines, planning was introduced to establish spatial order

and achieve colonial objectives during the those periods.

At present, planning focuses on providing spaces for settlement,

production, protection and conservation purposes as well as pursue
redistributive and social justice objectives through legislations such as
the IPRA, CARL, UDHA and through the formulation of comprehensive
development plans and land use plans at the local level.
 2.0 Problem Solving: The Role Of Planners

2.3 Planning as Government Function

Understanding of historical and institutional contexts, setting up a

system, establishing boundaries, procedures, regulations and
standards in real time, engage in research for monitoring, and
focusing on actions.

The creation of a Philippine planning system, the opening of plantilla

positions for planning officers in executive departments, and at the local
government level, the creation of a town/city/provincial planning and
development coordinators; the roles of the National Economic and
Development Authority, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, and
other planning-related agencies indicate the growing importance of
planning in the Philippine bureaucracy.
 2.0 Problem Solving: The Role Of Planners

2.4 Planning as an Academic Discipline (ideas from Prof. Simin Davoudi of

Newcastle University, U.K.)

1. What is an academic discipline?

It is a social construct that adheres to high social, institutional and

epistemiological vigor through creation of new knowledge, and the
evaluation of new knowledge claims through concepts, theories
and analytical tools and methods.
2.4 Planning as an Academic Discipline (ideas from Prof. Simin Davoudi of
Newcastle University, U.K.)

2. Checklist of Academic Discipline Attributes:

Epistemiological - Does it have a set of rules regarding what constitutes

a problem, what qualifies as evidence / proof and what is considered
acceptable methods by which knowledge is produced, evaluated and
exchanged?

Social - Does it have specific terminologies, discourse and tools to

communicate research findings/ new knowledge? Does it have a shared
language, identities, peers and careers?
Institutional - Does it have the ability to reproduce themselves (in this
case, planners) from one generation to the next by organizing
themselves in the form of an academic department, university courses,
professional complement, and discussion of professional outputs in
journals, conferences, and other fora?
2.4 Planning as an Academic Discipline (ideas from Prof. Simin Davoudi of
Newcastle University, U.K.)

3. Is Planning an Academic Discipline ?

It is strong on social and institutional attributes but needs
more work in the epistemiological aspect mainly because
of the following questions:
What is its main object of inquiry?

Is space the main object of inquiry?

How can knowledge and action interface be

strengthened in view of its multi-disciplinary and
inter-disciplinary character?
Is it an art or a science?
 2.0 Problem Solving: The Role Of Planners

2.5 Choice Theory of Planning is a theory of action based on the following

assumptions:

1) Planning is political in nature

2) Planning consists of a process of choice looking at different

alternatives and based on good judgment, selecting the best
choice. This process involves:

a) The identification of goals and objectives (sometimes called

ends and means) and the ways to achieve these.
b) Identification of a set of alternatives consistent with the ends
and means (it may mean different spatial designs, or some
trade-offs regarding land use).
c) The translation of guidance (the plan) into action (implementable
programs and projects)
 2.0 Problem Solving: The Role Of Planners

2.6 Approaches to Planning (Planning Theories)

Approaches are often defined by scale, impact, and classification of

the planning unit.

In urban planning, the following approaches or planning theories

indicate that planning thought has changed over time, ranging from
a top-to-bottom approach to what we call the modified approach
(“bibingka”) where planning outputs at the local level are distilled at
higher levels and provide coherence at the regional level.
i.e., SITAR (Synoptic or Comprehensive Approach / Model,
Incremental, Transactive, Advocacy, Radical / Non-Planning).

In regional planning, the focus is on sustainable development through

the regional physical framework plans and coordinating socio-
economic development activities to achieve regional development and
spatial equilibrium.
 2.0 Problem Solving: The Role Of Planners

2.7 Regional Planning

Region – A sub-national area defined by the country concerned for the

purpose of planning and/or development.

In the Philippines, regions are administrative groups of provinces

organized for planning and development ; they do not have local
government functions; there is only one autonomous region, the
ARMM.
Special administrative regions in China such as Hongkong and Macau
are considered unique regions and enjoy high local autonomy.

Natural regions are geographical entities or resource-based such as valleys,

mountain areas, river basins, islands and watersheds. These are sometimes
called planning regions.
Regional delineation is usually based on population size, contiguity, shared
culture and history, physical environment, functional links in terms of
transportation, flow of goods and services.
 2.0 Problem Solving: The Role Of Planners

2.8 Regional Planning Approaches

Comprehensive (or Integrated) River Basin Development Planning and

Management-uses water as a tool for regional socio-economic
development through the adoption of a basin-wide, multi-purpose
development program.

Growth Center Strategy - Uses an urban center as focal point for

development planning. This center should already have (or have a
potential for) strong links to the national economy, labor market, major
retail and wholesale trade, good infrastructure and communication
facilities. The center is envisioned to” spread” development effects in the
periphery of the region.
2.8 Regional Planning Approaches
Comprehensive Strategic Mega-Urban Regional Planning - Emphasizes
the following:
a) Using large and small groups as ways to involve many
stakeholders in the planning process.
b) Environmental scanning in real time.
c) Looking at the entire system and not just parts.
d) Utilizing visual approaches with the help of technology
such as 3D modelling, GIS-based maps.
e) Combining long-term and short-term goals depending on
exigency.
According to Laquian, comprehensive strategic plans as it pertains to
mega- urban regions can either be implemented/managed through
autonomous local governance, mixed regional governance or unified
regional governance means.
 3.0 Planning Practice: Canada & the Philippines
Table: Comparison of Planning Practice in Canada & the Philippines
Features Canada Philippines
Basis of Practice Membership in the CIP & its Passing the Board; Membership
affiliates in the PIEP*
Conduct of Members Professional Practice Manual Code of Ethics (National)**

New Directions Planning for the Future Project – Formulation of New Code of
clearly specified set of skills, Ethics
knowledge & experience based
on National Standards, self-
regulation, continuing education
& mentoring.

In Canada, each municipality and city has their own Planning Act, but it is only at the provincial level (through
their own Planning Acts are matters on energy, environment, forestry, heritage protection and parks dealt with.

* Presidential Decree 1308 (1978) Regulating the Practice of the Profession of Environmental Planning in the
Philippines; Professional Regulation Commission, Board of Environmental Planning, Resolution No. O1, 2000,
Revision of Syllabi of Subjects in the Licensure Examination for Environmental Planners.

**Resolution No. 01, 1997, Code of Ethics for Environmental Planners in the Philippines
 4.0 What a Planner Should / Can be

1) The TAMED Planner (Sandercock, 1999) must have Technical

knowledge, be Analytical, have a Multicultural perspective, include
Ecological understandings, and able to translate the plan into a
Design or a spatial document.

2) Is the planner a technocrat, an advocate or both?

3) Planners at the opposite sides of the fence: regulators, as part of

government facing those who are in favor of deregulation
(businessmen).
• 5.0 Next Steps
• Establish an analytical planning
framework that provides an understanding of
urban dynamics that would include
environmental consequences and impacts.