The Essence of the Planning Debate: Architects vs. Economists

Should urban planners take their cues from architects who prefer central control or economists who prefer free markets?

1 minute read

June 4, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera

Economists know that free markets are essential at regional and larger-scales. Architects know that central planning is critical at the building-scale. "Putting a bunch of construction materials and people on a site and letting the 'free market' construct a building without a plan or coordination is clearly not going to work very well." What's the right approach for the middle-scales from streetscapes to neighborhoods to cities to metros?

Thanks to Tory Gattis

FULL STORY: Architects vs. Economists

Sunday, March 18, 2007 in Houston Strategies

Urban Development Texas

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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