The Definition of Planning Insanity

Einstein is often credited with saying, "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." The same is true in planning. San Diego-based planning consultant, Howard Blackson III, argues that we are using the planning tools developed during the freeway and sprawl era to achieve the opposite result. Simply upzoning is inadequate to achieve modern planning goals. He writes that cities and counties should be using new tools like "form-based, place-based, or context-sensitive codes" that better encourage infill and density.

Blackson summarizes the urban growth models of Leon Krier (emulating organic growth) and Andres Duany (successional growth). He argues these models are the foundation for achieving more and better quality development that achieve modern planning goals. For the full discussion, please see the source article.