PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE EUROPE? - TU Berlin

145
by government regulation and funding formulae,” rendering it essentially useless for the
complex context of EU policy making (quotes from pp.24-25). Nevertheless, his attempt
to apply a communicative rationality form of transport planning to the specific transport
policy of parking provision for rail transit station areas remains an interesting exercise
that might be applied to the European context as well. Moreover, table 4.2, taken from
his article, provides a useful summary comparison of traditional (“instrumental”) and
communicative rationality approaches.
Table 4.2 Comparing Instrumental and Communicative Rationality
Issue Instrumental Rationality Communicative Rationality
1. Role of the
Planner
2. Purpose of
planning
3. Planning
Process
Expert/analyst. Often a specialist
(e.g. modeling, community affairs,
finance, etc.). Official role is
objective, but usually plays a
political role
Problem solving and optimization,
with a rational decision-maker as
the client. Finding the best solution
for a fixed and known set of ends.
A sequence of linear steps (with
feedback). Assumes that facts and
values can be addressed separately.
Action follows knowledge.
4.Communication Planners’ communication is
assumed to provide accurate
representation of facts and values;
has standard meaning outside of
action.
5. Problem
framing
6. Analysis /
Modeling
Source: Willson (2001:14)
Problems can be defined and
bounded in a single frame; problems
can be broken into pieces and
recombined; problems can be
defined in the absence of solutions:
problems can be solved.
Reductionism, reliance on data and
models as forms of inquiry.
Knowledge is empirically
established.
Communicative expert with technical
knowledge and skill. Plays multiple
roles – process design, activist
mediation, education and technical
roles. Self discloses roles.
Reaching an understanding that
facilitates action. Increasing capacity
for reasoned deliberation and
democratic decision-making.
Recursive process: fact, value and
discovery are interlinked. Emphasizes
learning and consensus building. Is
invented/modified as part of the
planning activity. Action and
knowledge are simultaneous.
Communicative processes produce
meaning and linguistic “action”.
Planners seeks to improve the validity
with which claims are made, e.g.
truthfulness, legitimacy and sincerity.
Multiple problem definitions and
frames are acknowledged; problems are
broadly bounded. Planning actively
engages multiple problem frames, seeks
creative redefinition.
Quick-response models used along with
other forms of knowing. Modeling
claims are part of discourse.