Theory in Planning Research

Doing research is an essential element of almost all programmes in planning studies as well as related areas such as geography and urban studies, from undergraduate, through Masters to doctoral programmes. While most texts on such research emphasise methodologies, this book is unique in addressing how theoretical frameworks and perspectives can inform research activity. Providing both a concise introduction to a wide range of such theories and detailed engagement with cases of planning research, it provides the reader with the insights necessary to conduct theory-informed research. It offers an understanding of how the choice of a theoretical framework has implications for the focus of the research, the precise research questions addressed and the methodologies that will be most effective in answering those questions. Through practical advice and published examples it will support planning researchers in doing stronger, more widely-applicable research, which answers key questions aboutplanning systems and their role within our societies.

“In this informative and innovative approach to research, Yvonne Rydin draws on the relationship between how we think about the world (theory) and how we study it (research) to provide a valuable guide to negotiating the knowledge-based world of planning. This is a wonderfully useful book: well-organized, clearly presented, and essential reading for students and faculty alike. Theory in Planning Research fills a gap in planning education that few knew even existed.” (Bob Beauregard, Emeritus Professor of Urban Planning at Columbia GSAPP, USA)

“The past couple of decades have witnessed a proliferation in critical and explanatory theories around planning stimulated by a desire to understand the complexities and challenges we face. Yvonne Rydin not only maps this terrain but provides a vital guide for students and practitioners to link and ground their research to theory. This is a book for everybody who is involved in research and planning.” (Professor Phil Allmendinger, University of Cambridge, UK)


“This book is a valuable and timely contribution to planning education and research. The book directly addresses one of the biggest challenges of planning education—the unwillingness of students to engage in planning theory. Rydin provides a clear justification for the value of theory in planning research and provides an overview of some of the main theoretical approaches used in contemporary planning research. Importantly, Rydin successfully presents planning theory in an accessible way. The book reveals that theory is not something to be feared by students, but something which can illuminate planning research and practice. This book will become an important resource for students and supervisors alike.” (Associate Professor Kristian Ruming, Macquarie University, Australia)


“If there was ever any doubt about the utility of planning theory in planning education and research, this book certainly helps to overcome it. Written in an accessible and engaging way, the book brings together summaries of key theoretical perspectives with examples of how these are applied by scholars in researching cases of planning practice. This rich repository of theoretically-informed case studies will undoubtedly become a major reference for many planning educators and a recommended reading in planning theory and dissertation courses.” (Professor Simin Davoudi, Newcastle University, UK)

Yvonne Rydin is Professor of Planning, Environment and Public Policy at the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London. She has some forty years’ experience of undertaking research on planning processes across a number of policy domains but with a particular emphasis on environmental and sustainability issues. Her previous books include The Purpose of Planning (2011) and The Future of Planning (2013) as well as Governing for Sustainable Urban Development (2010). She has also been director of research degree programmes at both LSE and UCL and supervised many research students over the years.