Planners are taught to be analytical thinkers who use quantitative data, but also qualitative research. Remember the Myers Briggs personality test? It assesses an individual’s personality based on four preferences: A focus on the outer world (extraversion) or inner world (introversion); basic information (sensing) or interpretation and meaning (intuition); making decision based on logic (thinking) or people and special circumstances (feeling); dealing with the outside world with clear decisions (judging) or staying open to new information and options (perceiving). As planners, we are constantly in conflict with these preferences as we straddle the world of technician and analyst.
Melbourne
Top Ten Most Liveable Cities of 2011
Australian and Canadian cities dominate the Economist Intelligence Unit report.
The Huffington Post

The Search for Scientific Validation: When Our Feelings Are Just Not Good Enough
Mon, 08/30/2010 - 20:01
One Snapped Cable Fells Entire Transit System
In Melbourne, Australia, a frayed power line gave way today at Southern Cross Station. The resulting domino effect took out most of the city's transit system during the heavy morning commute.
The Age (Australia)
Data Proves Rail Lines = Fewer Cars
Transport Textbook maps new data about car ownership in Melbourne, and finds clear evidence that transit makes a difference.
Transport Textbook
Melbourne Needs A Makeover
Veteran Australian architect Philip Cox says Melbourne is long overdue for a makeover, and a move towards people-centric city development.
The Age
Architect Hopes To Spread 'Pedestrianizaton'
The transformation of Copenhagen from a car-choked thoroughfare to a lively, pedestrian center began in 1962 with the closing of the Strøget, and folks walked and biked in record numbers. Now architect Jan Gehl hopes to spread this new urban culture.
The Globe and Mail
Curing Ills in Suburban Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia, has its own brand of suburban sprawl: suburbia without the space. A new comprehensive plan aims to address the woes of suburban Melbourne, but some say it doesn't go far enough.
The Age
Planning System Needs to Look at the 'Big Picture'
Officials in Melbourne, Australia, are so frustrated with the city's lackluster planning process that they are pushing for the creation of a new planning authority -- one they hope will look at the "big picture".
The Age
City's 'Lungs' Paved Over
Urban projects have resulted in the paving over of significant chunks of parkland in Melbourne, Australia -- land set aside more than 150 years ago to act as the city's lungs.
The Age
Is Now the Time for an MPO in Melbourne?
With government plans to increase the amount of land used for affordable housing in Melbourne, Australia, some say it's time for a regional planning entity.
The Age
Is a Sprawling Future on Tap for Melbourne?
The city of Melbourne, Australia, is on track to surpass Sydney as the country's most populated. But the expected population growth may push the city into a sprawling and unsustainable future.
The Age




















