Theoretical Foundations of Planning Sciences

Focusing on the problem of how knowledge might be linked to action, planning shares in the tradition of both academic scholarship and political practice. Yet it is fully at home in neither." (Friedmann 1987, 11)

The very question of whether spatial planning constitutes a science or even a discipline is contentious. This is not merely an exercise in intellectual inquiry; rather, this question reveals an insufficient theoretical foundation for spatial planning. Viewing the (planning) sciences as the knowledge base for the profession where planning actions are reflected upon, analyzed, discussed, and modified, the lack of this theoretical foundation leads to a variety of problems for researchers in planning science and practitioners in planning practice. But what knowledge foundations are considered a "planning perspective"? What is specific to planning, and what added value can planning bring to professional questions?

The working group faces the challenge of advancing spatial planning in an academic-scientific tradition in many ways. In the form of international working groups and planning science debates, we bring planning scientists together, delve into specific aspects of scientific-theoretical discussions, and reflect and expand planning scientific aspects with insights from the philosophy of science. Furthermore, we engage with planning theories in the tension between sociological currents and action-oriented orientations, contributing to the formulation of planning knowledge and particularly relating it to overall societal change processes. It is important for us to incorporate and further develop the strong action-oriented nature and close connection with the professional profile of planners in theoretical reflections. A special focus here is on the potential transdisciplinary character of planning sciences and its integration into other research approaches.